FRANKLIN, IN – The Principia men's soccer team secured their first win of the season with a 2-0 triumph over the Franklin College Grizzlies on Tuesday in Indiana. A second half surge, highlighted by goals from
Effenberg Joya and
Murilo Nascimento, propelled the Panthers to victory.
Joya, scoring in his third consecutive game, broke the deadlock in the 68th minute. After Panther goalkeeper
Rafa Ascencio Garcia sent a long ball forward, a miscue from the Franklin defense saw the ball headed backward. Joya pounced on the opportunity, stealing the ball and slotting it past the stunned Grizzlies' goalkeeper.
The Panthers doubled their lead in the 79th minute when Nascimento fired a free kick into a crowded box. The ball sailed through traffic and found its way into the back of the net, sealing the victory for Principia.
Rafa Ascencio Garcia and
Jacob Ellis combined for the shutout as the Principia kept the Grizzlies off the scoresheet with a strong defensive performance. This win marks a significant milestone for the Panthers as they look to build momentum for the rest of the season.
Principia will play a scrimmage at Lewis & Clark CC on Saturday at 1:00 pm, before heading down to St. Louis next Tuesday night to face WashU.
