Today: Mar 29, 2024

Soccer snaps losing streak, caps off Homecoming Week with win

Kenneth Baah Contributor

Coming off a three-game losing streak in which the Owls could not muster a single goal, the Southern men beat the Merrimack Warriors 1-0 at Jess Dow Field.

The only goal of the game was scored by sophomore midfielder Ignasi Perez Cererols, with 35 minutes left to play. Sophomore forward Lukas Szymecki assisted on the goal, his first assist of the season.

The Owls held their own against the Warriors, who were 9-4 and 6-4 in conference play coming into this game. After a scoreless first half, things got chippy in the second half with a combined 21 fouls between the two teams. The Owls recorded seven shots during the game and four on goal.

“It was very important to get the win. We came from losing on Wednesday against Le Moyne, where we played really good,” said Cererols.

Cererols’ goal was his fourth of the season, tied with Devante Teixeira for the team lead. Cererols and Teixeira are also tied for the team lead in assists with five apiece.

The Owls were able to get above .500 and improve their overall record to 8-7 and 5-6 in the conference. The men are now also 7-2 playing at Jess Dow Field this season. During the game Merrimack, missed a penalty early in the second half that could have given them the lead.

“I think at this time of the year when you’re coming down the final stretch of games, every win is important,” said head coach Tom Lang. “They’re a good team and picking up three points against them is a huge for us and we need to continue to build on this result going into the game on Tuesday.”

In the current standings, the Owls are now seventh in the conference with two games remaining before last night’s game against The College of Saint Rose.

After the game against Merrimack, the Owls are tied on points with Stonehill and two points behind Assumption. The Owls were previously ranked 11th in the conference standings as they try to make the NE10 Tournament, something they have done in every season since at least 2000.

“This time of year, it’s about maintaining a certain level of fitness and rest,” said Lang.

The Owls play College of Saint Rose on the Oct. 23 at home for senior night at 7 p.m. at Jess Dow Field. The Golden Knights came into Tuesday’s with a record of 7-6-1 record and 4-6-1 in conference play.

Photo Credit: SCSU Athletic Communications

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