Men's Soccer Win Over Bethel Leads Grace College Roundup
Posted
Josh Neuhart-
MISHAWAKA – A memorable second-half fantastic finish from Austin Altimus lifted Grace’s men’s soccer team to a 1-0 victory at Bethel on Saturday. The shutout win propels the Lancers (8-5-1, 3-3-1 Crossroads League) into fifth place in the league standings, giving Grace two straight wins. “The guys played brave tonight. Our defense held strong against a solid offensive team and limited Bethel to only a few good opportunities,” said Grace head coach Matt Hotchkin. “The guys earned this road victory with a couple regular starters out. Many players played non-typical roles and played them with confidence. Now we will work to carry this momentum into Wednesday’s match with Marian.” Saturday’s match was a physical battle that included 29 fouls and eight yellow cards. The Pilots (8-6-1, 3-4 CL) limited the Lancers to just two shots in the first half, both of which occurred within the first 14 minutes of play. The Lancers’ offense found a spark immediately in the second half. Grace took three shots over the first eight minutes after halftime, but the match would not be decided until the 72nd minute. Altimus subbed in during the 64th minute. It did not take long for him to make an impact. He unleashed a 25-yard blast with his left foot to beat Bethel’s goalkeeper at the 71:09 mark. “Austin’s cracker of a goal from deep, combined with our consistent play all around, was all that we needed tonight,” Hotchkin said. “I’m not sure I’ve seen a more beautiful shot, which he hit with his weak foot.” The Pilots took five shots down the stretch in search for an equalizer, but Grace’s defense denied their efforts. Senior goalkeeper Jacob Cole had the shutout victory for Grace with five saves in 90 minutes. Although Grace was outshot 16-7 for the match, only six of Bethel’s 16 shots were on goal. The Lancers’ final home game of the regular season is on Wednesday at 7 p.m. against Marian. The match will be senior night to honor Grace’s graduating class.
WOMEN’S SOCCER WINONA LAKE – Grace College’s women’s soccer team picked up its 10th win of the season with a 4-0 handling of Bethel on Saturday. The NAIA 22nd-ranked Lady Lancers (10-3-2, 6-1 Crossroads League) scored their ninth goal of the week and seventh shutout of the season after beating Goshen 5-0 on Tuesday. Mallory Rondeau led Grace with a goal and an assist, and Grace held a dominant 23-9 advantage in shots for the match. Despite 10 shots in the opening half, Grace only scored once before halftime. Carianne Sobey sent a long pass over the top of Bethel’s defense, leading Rondeau into a one-on-one with the goalkeeper. Rondeau then slotted her goal under pressure inside the near post at the 23:34 mark. Six minutes into the second half, Grace doubled its lead. Rondeau crossed a ball into the penalty box, and Kelsey Christner pounced on the loose ball and notched her first goal of the season at the 51:11 mark. Meredith Hollar sparked the Lady Lancers’ third goal eight minutes later. She sped away from two defenders on the right side of the field and placed a perfect cross along the ground to Mimi Lozano for the point-blank finish. The scoring was completed in the 83rd minute. Rondeau sent Sabina Meyers past Bethel’s offside trap, and the freshman netted her first collegiate goal around the charging goalkeeper and off the post for the final 4-0 scoreline. Rondeau had six shots to lead Grace, and Hollar added five more. Abby Schue picked up the shutout victory with seven saves in 90 minutes. The defending line of Heather Martin, Meredith Matson, Faith Voehringer, Erica Manchess and Marina Tolczyk limited the Pilots to few clear chances. The Lady Lancers have two matches remaining in the regular season. Grace will play at Marian on Wednesday night before their regular-season finale at Miller Field on Oct. 25 against Taylor. Grace’s game with Taylor will be senior night to honor the graduating class of Christner, Holly Bennett and Kaitlan Wiles. After the game, there will be a fireworks show over the soccer stadium at Miller Field.
