Men's Soccer Celebrates Seniors, Drops Final Game to Webster 1-4

Elsah, IL - The Principia men hosted the undefeated Webster Gorloks at the college yesterday for the last regular-season match. For Webster, the game wouldn't impact their playoff journey, but for Principia, a win meant an automatic bid to the tournament. Unfortunately, the formidable Webster opponent rallied to score four goals to win the match 4-1. The game wasn't as lopsided as you might think, though.
 
The match started in Webster's favor - they were constantly finding ways to get into the box and eventually scored in the 21st minute from Isaac Pearson's goal. At that moment, Principia could have thrown in the towel, but they didn't. For the next half hour, Principia played some of their best soccer of the season. Defensively, they pressed Webster into their half often. Midfielder Reginald Kiwhele had one of his best halves all year. He controlled the game's tempo and made a lot of intelligent passes to get Principia into the Webster final third. The backline of EG Pierce, Seth Arens, Jack Beckett, and Johannes Keller did a great job absorbing Webster's attack and making pinpoint outlet passes to help Principia transition. Playing from the wing, Patrick Sherman was excellent on transition, including a brilliant dribble that led to Principia's best shot on goal in the first half.
 
Principia kept making things difficult for Webster in the second half - their best moment coming in the 51st minute. Patrick Sherman played a chipper pass up to forward Juniour Baraza, who couldn't have finished it any better. From just outside the right side of the box, he flicked the ball out to his side and finished with a half volley that dipped up and over the keeper, just under the bar. It was a classy finish. Only the fourth goal webster conceded all season. The score gave Principia a lifeline, but that lifeline was short-lived, unfortunately, as Webster scored quickly in the 54th minute, then 60th, and 68th minute to finish things off. Despite the end of the season, the men played inspired, purposeful soccer. There is a lot to look forward to for next season.
 
The Panthers also presented three seniors in their last regular-season game; EG Pierce, Seth Arens, and Jack Beckett. The contributions and sacrifices of these three athletes will leave a lasting impact on the team and future athletes of Principia Men's Soccer. 
 
Captain EG Pierce had this to say about his soccer career at Principia, "my time on the Principia College Men's Soccer team has been a blessing. Coming in as a freshman where I knew no one to now has been a captain for two years, I have grown so much as a soccer player and a young man. I am grateful for Jess, Kipp Keller, Nick Barron, and all my teammates here for always pushing me to be my best, and I am proud to call every one of my teammates a brother for life. However, my most memorable moment here at Prin was when we won the final conference game here at home in 2019 and went to Nationals. That is truly a moment I will never forget."