WINONA LAKE – Grace College’s men’s soccer team recovered from a one-goal deficit at halftime to defeat Moody Bible 2-1 at Miller Field on Saturday. Kyle Hamlin tied the match in the 53rd minute, and Nikola Blazic converted a penalty kick to win the game 10 minutes later. The Lancers (3-1) outshot the Archers (0-1) in the match 17-7, including a 9-2 advantage after halftime. Grace nearly scored twice in the first half off set pieces from Danilo Carnelos and Justin Festa, but each time the Archers saved the ball off the goal line. Carnelos tried the bend a free kick into the net, and Festa’s header was also saved at the last moment. The Archers opened the scoring in the 35th minute when Jacob Robbins finished off a rebound from close range. The Lancers found the equalizer less than 10 minutes into the second half. Nikola Blazic played a through ball to Austin Altimus, and Altimus swung a ball in front of the net to Kyle Hamlin for a one-time finish at the 52:43 mark. Gift Sibukome was tackled inside the penalty box less than 10 minutes later to earn a penalty kick. Nikola Blazic lined up for the kick and promptly slotted the ball inside the post at the 62:08 mark. Neither team was able to produce a goal in the final 28 minutes as Grace’s strong possession kept the match in the Lancers’ favor. Robbie Barnhill earned the win in goal for the Lancers, making one save in 90 minutes. Altimus led Grace with four shots, and Trent Smith had three shots with two on goal. The Lancers continue play at Miller Field Saturday against Campbellsville, who is receiving votes in the NAIA Top 25 Coaches’ Poll.
WOMEN’S SOCCER WINONA LAKE – Despite a 21-9 shot advantage, Grace’s women’s soccer team had to settle with a 1-1 tie against No. 22-ranked John Brown on Saturday. The Lady Lancers (1-1-1) took a 1-0 lead into the final minutes, but John Brown found a late equalizer in the 80th minute to spoil Grace’s upset bid. Grace held the Golden Eagles (1-0-1) to just two shot attempts in the opening period, but the Lady Lancers were unable to get on the scoreboard with nine shot attempts. Grace also held a 5-0 advantage in corner kicks before halftime. In the 53rd minute, Mallory Rondeau opened the game’s scoring. Heather Martin sent a free kick into the penalty box, and Carianne Sobey’s headed pass found Rondeau for a sliding finish in front of the net. Grace appeared on its way to an upset with a late lead, but John Brown had other ideas. The Golden Eagles (1-0-1) capitalized on a loose ball in the box to tie the game at the 79:13 mark. John Brown denied Grace a potential late-game winner in regulation, but Meghan Wiles’s shot from close range was saved. The best chances for either team in overtime came during the second extra session as two shots hit the crossbar. John Brown took the first attempt on a free kick that clanged off the bar, and Meghan Wiles looked to have the winner in response. Wiles’s long shot ricocheted off the crossbar and came dangerously close to bouncing down past the goal line. The match ended with Grace taking 11 more shot attempts and seven more corner kicks (7-0) than John Brown. Wiles finished with five shots, and Holly Bennett had four attempts to lead Grace’s efforts. The Lady Lancers continue action today at Judson University. Grace’s next home match is on Sept. 20 against Westminster (Utah).
