Justin Chapman | Echo
The men's soccer team defeated RV Judson Saturday 4-1 to bounce back from their first loss of the season. This handed the Judson Eagles their first loss of the season.
The Eagles' coach, Steve Burke, has the most wins by a coach in NAIA history with 544 victories.
The Trojans started out with guns firing as senior Gonzalo Iglesias scored in the second minute of the game. The team took full advantage of playing their first home game in almost 20 days.
Iglesias mentioned one of the team's goals was to dominate the first 10 minutes and send a message. Taylor went into the second half with a confident 2-0 lead and a 10-3 shooting advantage.
The lead did not stop growing in the second half, as the Trojans upped their lead to 3-0 after senior Lewis Nisbet scored in the 54th minute. The fans provided great energy for the team to succeed.
"The fans were awesome, and that helps us," said Nisbet. "Even if we were losing the game, I think that would have been something that kept us going. It was a lot of fun. (Iglesias and I) said it was one of the funnest games we've had."
Not only did the seniors contribute, but freshman Zoltan Suranyi scored two goals in the game. These are the first two goals of the young player's career. This also is the second time Taylor has scored four goals this season.
According to Nisbet, having a schedule that provides rest in between games helps plan for the next game. The Trojans received a week to get ready for Judson. Six days later, the team prepares to play their next opponent, Concordia.
"I've been trying to tell our guys, 'Listen, I think you can play with absolutely anybody,'" head coach Gary Ross said. "But, at the end of the day, it can't just be me thinking that. You guys have to actually act on that belief as well, and I think they're starting to come around."
Ross has coached top 20 teams in the past and knows what it looks like to coach a team with that type of potential. For instance, in the 2011-12 season the team accomplished a record of 19-2-1. Last spring, Ross saw the team start to really grow into a team that can compete with some of the best teams in the country.
The Trojans have only allowed four goals in the first six games of the season, an impressive feat. The team looks to continue this trend today against Concordia and come out in the first 10 minutes swinging again.
Concordia comes into this game against the Trojans with an overall record of 4-1.
Iglesias hopes to see more fans tonight at Turner Stadium. The game is set to start at 7 p.m.
"Photograph provided by Fayth Glock"
