SPRINGFIELD, MO. ? Freshman
Kenan Malicevich (Cedar Rapids, Iowa) scored what turned out to be the deciding goal for the Drake men's soccer team in the 77
th minute (76:07) to lift the Bulldogs to a 2-1 victory over Central Arkansas in its final game at the Diadora Tournament Saturday.
“Today was a great rebound from yesterday's disappointing loss,” said Drake head coach Sean Holmes. “We played really well for most of the 90 minutes and did so with a cast of freshmen. Again today, eight of our 11 starters were underclassmen.”
Malicevich took a feed from fellow freshman Nick Foster (West Des Moines, Iowa/Valley) and sneaked a shot from inside the box, only a yard out.
Dan Foerster scored the Bears' only goal in the contest in the final minute of play (89:36) stealing the shutout from Drake senior goalkeeper Phillip Breuer (Port Washington, Wis.).
“The only disappointment of the day was giving up a silly goal late in the game which made the last 22 seconds harder than they had to be. I am disappointed for Phillip Breur because he deserved a shutout,” commented Holmes.
Drake dominated the Bears in all statistical categories. The Bulldogs out shot their competition, 8-5, and converted two-of-three shots on goal.
Sophomore Luke Gorczyca (Overland Park, Kan.) scored Drake's first goal only three minutes prior to the winning shot from Malicevic. Gorczyca tapped-in an unassisted goal at 73:51.
“We were very good at the back, battled very hard at the midfield, and showed more creativity, flair and grit up front. Garrett Webb proved that he can be a handful at the collegiate level. Our back four looked cohesive due to and Luke Frieberg's (Cumming, Iowa) leadership and Calvin Clark's (Overland Park, Kan.) unflappability,” added Holmes.
Sophomore Kevin Shrout (Lee's Summit, Mo.) and junior Stevie Shondell (Shawnee, Kan.) led the Bulldogs with two shots apiece.
Garrett Webb (Prairie Village, Kan.) and Matt Kuhn (Raytown, Mo.) also took shots to help the Drake cause.
Webb, Gorczyca and Frieberg earned all-tournament honors for their stellar play throughout the two-day contest.
“Our wide defenders Kurt Larson (Olathe Kan.) and Julien Edwards (Ottowa, Ontario) helped to stymie their attack dealing with their long diagonal balls,” said Holmes. “The sophomore duo of Gorczyca and Shrout worked tirelessly and helped keep our team connected. Also to be noted was our wide service provided by the starters Foster and Kuhn and further reinforced by subs Chuck Schwartz (Bettendorf, Iowa) and Shondell. Perhaps the greatest surprise of the day was Mike Noonan's (Cedar Rapids, Iowa) speed, energy and determination, all and all a good day for the Bulldogs.”
After a six day layoff, the Bulldogs return to action in the Panther Invitational Tournament next Friday through Sunday in Milwaukee, Wis. Drake will face Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Wisconsin in the tournament.