By: Kyle Keck | Sports Writer
The Taylor men's soccer team sent St. Catharine packing Friday night after winning 2-1 in dramatic fashion under the lights at Turner Stadium.
Taylor controlled the first 25 minutes of play by firing two incomplete shots while holding St. Catharine to zero attempts. But in the 30th minute, the Patriots blazed the back of the net with a strike to take a 1-0 lead into halftime.
While both teams missed opportunities after the intermission, it was Taylor who marked the first tally of second half. In the 69th minute, senior Giovanny Guthro toed a pass to freshman Jeremiah Rader who sailed it past St. Catharine's keeper to knot the game at one.
Emotions ran high once the game was tied. St. Catharine attempted three shots in the closing 20 minutes, but aggressive play gave Taylor a free kick approximately 30 yards out. The Trojans gave the reins to sophomore Lewis Nisbet, setting the stage for a potential game-winning goal.
"When we won the free kick, there was nothing to lose," Nisbet said. "We were going into overtime and the clock was running down fast. I placed the ball and was able to check and see I had maybe 12 seconds to get the ball off of my foot and into the goal."
After much anticipation, Nisbet netted the shot after bending it into the upper right portion of the goal. The Trojan bench erupted as the deflated Patriots walked off the field.
"There was no better feeling than watching it go in and running over to our bench clearing onto the field," Nisbet said.
Not only was the goal a game-winner, but the score marked Nisbet's fourth goal in four games.
Entering the match, Nisbet was the Crossroads League Offensive Player of the Week. As a sophomore, Nisbet admits he has become accustomed to the college level of play.
"I'm definitely playing with more confidence after getting a year of college experience under my belt," Nisbet said. "I think this year could be a really prosperous one for the program."
With both goals coming from underclassmen, it is clear that Taylor relies on its youth. Of the seniors on the team, none have been four-year starters. Although youth can be a team's demise, head coach Gary Ross is pleased with how his team has performed with varying levels of experience.
"They have had to work hard and push themselves to earn their spots," Ross said. "It's created a culture where coachability and hard work are valued and when young guys step up, it simply reinforces what we are teaching."
The 2-2-1 Trojans look to take on Robert Morris University tomorrow at 1 p.m. at Turner Stadium.
Photograph by Fayth Glock
