ELSAH, IL – The weather wasn't the only thing that heated up this weekend. The Principia Men's Soccer team stepped up to the challenge against conference-leading Webster University on Senior Day and sent them home with their first SLIAC loss in over two seasons. The Panthers showcased their massive potential with their best performance of the season to put the rest of the conference on notice.
After Principia's close loss at Webster earlier this season sparked a four-game winless streak, the Panthers had begun to turn things around with a pair of shutout victories in their last two games. They hoped to carry this momentum into Saturday's match as they were looking for their first win over the Gorloks since the 2017 SLIAC Tournament semifinals.
Since this was Principia's last regular season home game of the season, the Panthers honored their four seniors EG Pierce, Juniour Baraza, Patrick Sherman, and Liam Peschke with a ceremony before the game. Thank you to all four for everything they've given to the soccer team and to Principia!
As the match began, Webster started off strong and kept Principia on their heels by breaking down attacks and possessing in the Panthers' half. Principia managed to break the press and find their groove about ten minutes in as Parker Boyce rattled the crossbar with a dipping shot from distance.
The Panthers maintained strong possession in the Gorloks' half looking for an opening goal. Their efforts came to fruition in the 27th minute when Boyce whipped in a dangerous cross off a free kick that bounced along the 6-yard box to meet Christian Tresoldi's diving header on the far post. The crowd roared as Tresoldi sent the ball just under the crossbar for the 1-0 lead. Principia continued to break down Webster's attacks and dominate possession for the rest of the first half.
The second half started almost the same way as the first, the Gorloks bursting down the lines in search of an early equalizer. The Panthers, yet again, were able to foil Webster's offensive maneuvers and possess once again. In the 55th minute, senior Patrick Sherman sent a ball over the Webster back line, leaving a streaking Zach Lemasters in a one-on-one with their goalkeeper. As the keeper came out to challenge, Lemasters did not disappoint as he sent a disciplined one-touch past him into the bottom corner for his first collegiate goal.
WATCH BOTH PANTHER GOALS
Now down 2-0, the Gorloks went all in on challenges and dominated possession for final 30 minutes, leading to eight shots on goal that were all denied by Principia keeper Torben Renhert. The Panthers remained strong and composed in face of the onslaught to keep Webster from scoring – a feat no other SLIAC team had pulled off this season. As the final whistle blew, the Panthers had finally defeated reigning SLIAC champions for the first time in five years.
After the Panthers third shutout in a row, Rehnert lowered his goals against average to 0.86. He continues to lead the conference in both clean sheets (7) and save percentage (.876).
Up Next: The Panthers will look to maintain their winning form at Fontbonne University on Thursday at 7:30 pm.
