Box Score Elsah, IL; An 86
th minute sure handed finish by
Nate Waters was the decider as Principia Men's soccer continued their charge out of the doldrums by closing out a pesky Monmouth College side 3-2 on Monday night. Coming from a long weekend of back to back games did not wear out the panthers as they welcomed the fighting scots in a match that was postponed earlier in the season due to weather. When the proceedings began, the Panthers worked hard to maintain consistent possession of the ball and were rewarded in the 28
th minute when
Gustavo Batista was quick to react before flicking in a well driven service from
McGuire Semnacher.
The scots would respond minutes later with a 34
th minute equalizer following a defensive mix-up that allowed an eager Scot to tap the ball past the advancing panther custodian.
The second half had a similar ring to it as both sides were pressing to secure the spoils. Ever the opportunist, Semnacher took down a high lob pass from Waters before chesting the ball down and turning for a beautiful right foot finish in the 65
th minute of play. The lead was however short lived as the scots would mount a response in the 75
th minute. Another failure to clear from the principia defense allowed the burly scot striker to outmuscle the panther defenders before tucking in the ball past the goalkeeper to level the scores.
Not one to be outdone, Principia's game winner began with a quick combo between Semnacher and
Laurencce Martins. Semnacher would then carry the ball before releasing an audacious and incisive pass attempt to a streaking
Briggs Hurley. The scots defender did well to cut off the pass but his clearance fell sumptuously for an onrushing Waters at the 12. His precision was of the highest quality as he tucked the ball past the hapless keeper for the game winner in the 86
th minute. The panthers now get a much needed break and will next host MacMurray College in their second conference matchup of the season at home on Saturday at 3pm.
