FULTON, MO – After a strong 2-0-1 start to the season, the Principia Men's Soccer team traveled to Westminster College for their first conference match. The Blue Jays came in looking to get in the win column having lost their first four games of the season.
After a scoreless first 40 minutes with back and forth chances from each team, the Panthers broke through in the 41st minute thanks to a penalty given for a hand ball in the opposing teams box. For the second straight game, senior
EG Pierce converted clinically on the PK as Principia took a 1-0 lead into halftime.
The second half was a different story as Principia was able to dictate the possession with Westminster chasing the game. In the 62nd minute, freshman
Jonathan Keller ran down a long pass from Pierce and slotted the ball around the goalie just inside the post for his first collegiate goal. Then, in the 81st minute, the Panthers got their third goal after a corner by freshman
Harry Ouma went off a Westminster defender in the box and into the net for an own goal. The 3-0 final gave Principia their third win of the season and big W to start off conference play.
The Panthers played a very sound defensive game, only allowing five shots on goal. Coming off a 13 save performance that earned him SLIAC Defensive Player of the Week, sophomore goalkeeper
Torben Rehnert continued his strong play saving all five shots for his first collegiate clean sheet.
Up Next: Principia will look to stay undefeated on Saturday at home when they host Greenville University for the "SLIAC Game of the Week". Come cheer the boys on at 3:30 pm!
