Box Score Elsah, IL. – In an emotionally charged effort at home on Tuesday, Principia Men's Soccer were handed another non-conference loss against visiting Illinois Wesleyan College. Play fluctuated rapidly for each team through differing spells of possession and physical play.
In the end, the 4-0 result for the Panthers could be measured as unfortunate when taking into consideration the attractive ball movement the team had for much of the game.
Bolstered by a strong performance in goal from
Cole Johnson in his first start as a collegiate player, Principia established possession early on in the first half. Their best chance was conceived from a smart sprint by Victor de Castro through the Illinois backline, but his shot unfortunately hit the outskirt of the far post.
Illinois Wesleyan opened the score sheet with two back to back goals around the 30 minute mark in the first half. Both opportunities came from buildup play through the middle that left the Principia defensive unit in a bit of disarray and scrambling to recover.
In the second half, Principia came out of the gates firing on all cylinders.
Briggs Hurley led much of the attack from the central midfield position and put in his most inspiring performance to date by establishing the run of play on offense through his ball distribution skills.
Unfortunately for Principia, the chances to get back into the game were not taken to the fullest extent. Illinois Wesleyan launched a counter attack half way through the second half that resulted in their third goal, which proved to be the dagger in the game for Principia. A few minutes later, an own goal off a cross finalized the 4-0 result.
The final result is a difficult one for Principia to swallow, but there came much good play to advance their season with. All it should take for the team to advance exponentially is being able to put in a full 90 minute performance. Men's Soccer will challenge that notion when they travel to face Millikin College over the weekend in their final out of conference matchup.
