Men's Soccer Soars in Season Opener Versus Truett McConnell (Ga.)

By Mike DeVader, Reinhardt Director of Athletic Communications & Media

WALESKA, Ga. – It took a little time for the Eagles to get going on the offensive end in the 2020 season opener for men's soccer, but a string of three second-half goals helped Reinhardt shut down Truett McConnell (Ga.), 3-0, Wednesday night under the lights of Ken White Field at University Stadium.

"After the challenging nature of recent months, it was really special to open our season with a beautiful evening to play the game of soccer again in a competitive environment," head coach Joey Johnson said.  "With no opportunity to compete prior to opening AAC play under the new framework, it was great to see the players in our first glimpse of match play in such an important fixture.

"Typical to early-season games, it showed that we have much to improve upon; however, I was pleased with the efforts of the players and the spirit which the team competed together and for each other against a quality AAC opponent."

The opening half came and went as neither team could find the back of the net in the first 45 minutes of action, but the scoreboard turned for the inaugural time of the year at the 52:50 mark when Rafael Pais put his team ahead, 1-0, following a free kick.

Less than 10 minutes later – and in similar fashion – the Eagles (1-0, 1-0 Appalachian Athletic Conference) doubled their lead off yet another free kick compliments of a Leonardo Fagioli pass to Trevor Robinson.

Reinhardt may have started a new campaign on Wednesday, but it appeared to be the same hard-nosed defensive effort that fans have come to know. The Eagles once again put the clamps down on the opposition's scoring attack – surrendering just three shots – while connecting on 27 of their own (12 on-goal).

The third of the aforementioned shots that found the net came from Philip Frowis in the 82^nd minute as he finished off a pass from Costa Lopez.

On offense, a half-dozen student-athletes earned three-or-more shots in the win. Aaron Whitten led all players with six attempts at scoring.

Severin Ryf got the in-net victory after a full 90 minutes and a pair of stops.

Reinhardt looks to make it back-to-back league wins on Saturday afternoon against Montreat (N.C.) at home.

Kick is set for 4:30 p.m.

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For more information on Reinhardt Men's Soccer, please click here.