MILWAUKEE, WIS. ? The Drake men's soccer team (4-2) claimed the crown at the Panther Invitational on Sunday with a stunning 3-1 victory over Wisconsin (4-2). The Badgers entered the match receiving votes in the latest NSCAA (National Soccer Coaches Association of America) poll.
“Today was a great collective effort, we played a lot of players and everyone gave us important minutes,” said Drake head coach
Sean Holmes. “Hopefully we can keep building our confidence because our schedule doesn't get any easier.”
Drake scored its first goal in the 8th minute when
Luke Gorczyca (Overland Park, Kan.) put in a blocked shot rebound to the far post, 20 yards out.
Senior
Luke Frieberg (Cumming, Iowa) and sophomore
Garrett Webb (Prairie Village, Kan.) fed freshman
Michael Noonan (Cedar Rapids, Iowa) on a long ball from midfield to take the 2-0 lead in the 29th minute (28:25), which Noonan headed beating Wisconsin goalkeeper Ryan Vint in a one-on-one situation.
Webb, who was named tournament Most Valuable Player, scored Drake's final goal in the 71st minute (70:42) on a long shot to the upper right corner of the net.
“
Garrett Webb is finally coming into his own and becoming the player that we knew he would be,” said Holmes. “Freiberg did a great job of leading this group of players, he was an inspiration with his guts and leadership.”
Drake senior goalkeeper
Phillip Breuer (Port Washington, Wis.) made a season-high eight saves in the win.
Wisconsin managed a goal in the 56th minute when Brian Bultman scored on a rebound off a shot that Breuer had difficulty fielding.
The Badgers outshot the Buldogs 14-10 but were unable to capitalize on their scoring opportunities converting only one of nine shots on goal.
Webb led the Bulldogs with five shots, including two shots on goal.
Webb, Frieberg,
Calvin Clark and
Kevin Shrout were named to the all-tournament team for their stellar play over the two-match tournament.
“Shrout and
Luke Gorczyca made a nice tandem in the midfield, it is good to see the young players step up when injuries happen to a great player like
Keith Gorczyca,” added Holmes.
“Clark and Frieberg were dominating in the middle winning most of the balls being steady and solid. We need more of the same day in and day out play from them if we are going to be successful.”
Drake returns to action Sept. 21 and 22 at the UNLV Rebel Classic In Las Vegas, Nevada. The Bulldogs open play against UNLV at 9:30 p.m. Friday.
“This weekend was great, we played great competition and came out successful, with our confidence up we believe we can play anyone in the country,” added Holmes.