Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
COLUMBIA, S.C. - Freshman Cody Boerema scored a stunning free kick to lift Grace’s men’s soccer team to a 1-0 win at Columbia International on Tuesday.
Boerema has now scored two goals in his first two collegiate matches, helping lift Grace to a 2-0 start to the 2016 season.
The match was a defensive battle as the sides combined for just 10 shots overall. The Lancers were attributed one shot before halftime, and the game remained scoreless through halftime.
CIU had some of its most dangerous opportunities in the first half, particularly off set pieces. All seven of the Rams’ corner kicks were in the first half.
“We started the game with good possession and good positioning, but about 15 minutes into the match it looked like we had run out of gas. The game time temperature of 94 degrees played a factor, but we will have to do a better job of overcoming that in the future,” said Grace head coach Matt Hotchkin. “Our guys played together in the second half, and we played to our strengths and got more opportunities.”
In the second half, Grace found its breakthrough moment. After earning a few free kicks, Grace made CIU pay.
Boerema lined up a deep free kick in the 56th minute and beat the Rams’ goalkeeper for his game-winning moment.
Grace’s defense took care of the rest, earning the team’s first shutout of the young season.
“CIU has a good and athletic team, and they are well-coached,” Hotchkin continued. “We are struggling to get our offense in synch, but we are finding ways to win which is important. Hopefully we can keep adding ideas to make us a more complete team. There is a lot of work to do.”
Robbie Barnhill improved to 2-0 as Grace’s goalkeeper, making two saves in 90 minutes. He was protected well by the backline of Jon Sands, Josiah Osborn, Brayton Taylor and Jon Christensen, among others.
Boerema and Daniel Smith led Grace with two shots apiece. Breno Oliveira had the team’s other shot attempt in the match.
The Lancers will return to Indiana for their home opener on Aug. 27 against Ohio Christian.
SOCCER TEAMS IN NAIA PRESEASON POLL
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – For the first time in school history, both of Grace's soccer teams appeared in the NAIA Coaches' Preseason Top 25 Poll.
Grace's women's soccer team landed at No. 11 in the preseason poll, while the men's team was in the "receiving votes" section.
The Lady Lancers are coming off a groundbreaking season, reaching the NAIA National Championships in 2015 for the first time in program history.
As a result, Grace earned 298 points in the preseason poll to land at No. 11. It marks the 18th straight poll that Grace has been ranked and 18th ranking overall in team history.
The Lady Lancers' schedule includes three ranked teams in nonleague play, including two straight to begin the year. The Lady Lancers will face No. 3 Northwestern Ohio on Aug. 27 followed by No. 8 Martin Methodist on Sept. 1. Additionally, Grace will travel to No. 18 Hastings on Sept. 17.
