KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Senior
James Wypych (Wellington, New Zealand) scored a goal in the first half and junior
Mason Leonard (Overland Park, Kan.) added a goal in the second half for the Drake University men's soccer team to help defeat UMKC, 2-0, Saturday, Sept. 10 night at Durwood Stadium in Kansas City, Mo.
Drake (3-2) did not need long to go on the scoreboard as Wypych's second goal of the season came at the 15-minute mark (15:55). Wypych beat the UMKC (1-2) defense for the goal.
Leonard scored his goal in the 56
th minute (56:41) as Wypych once again beat the Roos defense and this time sent a cross to Leonard who blasted it in the net for his second career goal and first since the 2014 season.
The road win over the Kangaroos closed a six-game road trip to start the season for the Bulldogs. Including its final exhibition match at Northern Illinois (W, 3-1), Drake played six games in five different states since hosting Eastern Illinois for an exhibition on Aug. 17. The Bulldogs finally play a regular season match at the Cownie Soccer Complex this Tuesday when they welcome Green Bay.
"We are delighted with tonight's win as it is without a doubt our most complete performance so far and demonstrated the depth of our squad," said Drake head coach
Gareth Smith. "Six games on the road in a row is a difficult schedule and to win four of those is impressive."
Drake's defense was stout Saturday night, led by senior goalkeeper
Darrin MacLeod (Waterloo, Ontario) who tallied six saves and earned his 17
th career shutout. MacLeod is already the all-time leader in program history in career shutouts.
"From a defensive perspective, we were well organized, disciplined, resilient and combative," Smith said. "A lot of credit goes to
James Pendrigh for his leadership of a young and impressive back line. As always we are delighted for Darrin who adds to his impressive clean sheet record.
We were equally impressive in attack with a masterful performance from
Mueng Sunday in the midfield and our dynamic frontline of
Steven Enna,
Nic Jaimes, and Wypych who helped create a number of additional scoring opportunities that could have extended the lead."
The Bulldogs and the Phoenix are set for a first kick of 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 12 at Cownie. Drake then opens Missouri Valley Conference play, Sept. 17, when Loyola visits Cownie.
"We have a busy week ahead with Green Bay and Loyal and we are looking forward to both and to be at home," said Smith.
