ST. LOUIS, MO – The Principia College Men's Soccer team played their second game of the season on Monday evening against the Monmouth College Fighting Scots. This was meant to be a home game for Principia, but due to scheduling conflicts with the Women's Soccer team, the two teams played on the mesa field at the Principia Upper School in St. Louis.
The Panthers dictated the game in the first half, having a majority of the possession and chances. Junior transfer, Parker Boyce, found his first two goals of the season with rockets from outside the box in the 3rd minute and the 29th minute. Despite the early deficit, Monmouth kept playing hard, and a late goal off a rebound from a save by Principia goalkeeper Jacob Ellis cut the Panthers' lead to 2-1 at halftime.
The second half was more of the same with Principia finding most of their opportunities going down the flanks of their opponents and delivering crosses into the box. The Panthers had nine total shots to Monmouth's two, but the Scots were the more clinical of the two teams. Monmouth scored the lone goal of the second half in the 73rd minute, causing the game to end in a draw. Principia almost had the game winner in the final minutes of the game, but the goal was called back for offsides.
The Panthers showed great flashes of the team they could be this year, but some miscues and not to being able to finish chances cost them the win. The young team continues to grow with every game as they build towards conference play beginning next week.
Up Next: Principia will play their final non-conference game of the season on Saturday at home as they take on Harris-Stowe State University at 5:00 pm on the game field.
