Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
WINONA LAKE - The Grace College men's soccer team bounced back from a loss in its Mid-Central Conference opener by defeating league foe Spring Arbor 2-0 Wednesday. Jeff Muldoon scored a goal in each half for the Lancers.
Grace was forced to survive an early push from Spring Arbor to get its second shutout of the year as the Cougars made it look like it would be lopsided early. Spring Arbor had four of its seven shots on goal in the first five minutes of the contest, but Lancer keeper John Leopold made a number of huge saves to keep the game scoreless.
The Lancers were playing without starters Ryan Burgher and Brett Dickerson, who both missed the contest after sustaining injuries in the final moments of Saturday's game against St. Francis. The adjustment period almost put Grace in a hole, but after getting through that, the squad played much better.
Muldoon's first goal came on a counter attack only 13 minutes into the contest. Grace was a bit disorganized from the early push by Spring Arbor, but John Franklin found Muldoon and he buried a short range missile that put Grace ahead 1-0.
His second goal came 16 minutes into the second half and was the insurance the Lancers needed to get the win.
Grace finished with an 8-7 advantage in shots on goal, but Spring Arbor had a 6-1 corner kick edge.
Grace (5-3-1, 1-1 MCC) will be on the road for its next three contests, the first being a match-up with Taylor at 2 p.m. Saturday.
GRACE 2, SPRING ARBOR 0
Spring Arbor 0 0 - 0
Grace 1 1 - 2
Scoring - 1. Grace, Jeff Muldoon (John Franklin assist), 13:00; 2.
Grace, Jeff Muldoon, 61:00.
Shots on goal - Grace 8, Spring Arbor 7. Saves - John Leopold (Grace) 7,
Kevin Bruinsma (Spring Arbor) 6. Corner kicks - Spring Arbor 6, Grace 1.
