ELSAH, IL – The Principia Men's Soccer team hosted fellow Panthers from Greenville University on Saturday afternoon for their second conference game of the season. Principia was looking to build off their early season success and continue their strong start against a strong SLIAC rival.
The home Panthers started off strong and looked dangerous at times, but struggled to impose their style of play on the game. After back and forth chances on both sides, including some big saves by Principia keeper Torben Rehnert, the first half ended in a scoreless tie.
After the break, Greenville came out firing and was able to break through in the 49th minute off a Rehnert rebound. Seven minutes later, Greenville sent a ball across the box that their striker headed into the back of the net for a 2-0 lead.
Despite the quick 1-2 punch, Principia was able to recover and create some nice scoring chances in the final 30 minutes. The best series of opportunities came from a Victor Dos Santos Reis free kick from just outside the box that was placed in the upper near corner forcing the Greenville keeper to make a nice stop. That was then quickly followed by a corner kick which Reis was able to get a toe on but the ball went just wide of the goal. Unfortunately, Principia was unable to find a goal and fell to Greenville 2-0.
The game was followed by a reserve scrimmage that ended in a 2-2 draw.
Up Next: The Panthers will look to get back in the win column this Tuesday night when they host Eureka College at 8:00 pm.
