Box Score LAKELAND, Fla. – In a gutsy performance on the home pitch, the Southeastern University men's soccer team repeated what has become a familiar formula as of late: battle hard, persevere through adversity, and find a way to win. The Fire did just that as they took down the Montreat College Cavaliers 1-0 for their first home win of the season. SEU has now won three straight.
"Tonight's goal was about getting our first win at home, against a very good Montreat team, before we go into a big week with two big conference games…I'm proud of the guys for their effort tonight," shared Head Coach
Clay Roberts.
The Fire were able to execute excellent build up play throughout most of the match, including early on. SEU earned several quality chances early in the match, including a shot that was just wide of the far post by senior forward
Tauan Salgado in the 23
rd minute.
However, the Fire build up effort prevailed in the 32
nd minute, as graduate forward
Tyler Gay knocked in a deflected attempt by junior forward
Grayson Wilkes to put the Fire up 1-0. The score was Gay's second of the season and proved to be the lone goal of the match. This marks the second consecutive season the Fire have won a 1-0 result with Gay netting the lone goal.
Sophomore goalkeeper
Logan Whitney played a full 90 in the net for the Fire, making a pair of crucial saves to preserve the first shutout of his collegiate career.
The youth of the squad continued to step up into the impactful roles they have had to this season. Seven underclassmen earned minutes, including four true freshman.
"For these young players to be thrown into the fire and into games that are grinding is valuable for them…They are getting meaningful minutes in high pressure situations and contributing," remarked Coach Roberts.
The Fire look to build their hot streak into a sustained course, as they host Webber International on Wednesday night. Game time is set for 7:30 p.m.
