Game 5

Game 5 – 9/17/07
Rebels Score Early and Often on Clayton

The Priory J.V. soccer team was looking to return to their winning ways on Monday afternoon against Clayton. After losing to St. Mary’s on Friday, it was clear that the Rebels were going to come out strong against Clayton. They did just that. They put the pressure on the Clayton defense early in the game. In the opening minutes, Patrick Mulvihill powered his way through the box and out-muscled a few Clayton defenders to rip a shot on goal. The shot deflected off a defender but still managed to find its way into the corner of the net and propel the Rebels to a 1-0 lead. The Rebels kept attacking throughout the first half. There was some very nifty wing midfield play by Sean Lamb and James Kopfensteiner that created numerous chances for the home team. Clayton could never build an attack and the Rebel defenders kept the attack going toward the Clayton goal throughout the first half. Pedro, a defender on loan from his Chilean club team, made his Rebel debut a memorable one. He showed that he was a defender who was not afraid to push up into the attack. He was a force in the midfield and created several chances weaving in and out of defenders. Eventually he used power and finesse to work his way through the Clayton defense and rip a shot into the bottom corner of the net, giving the Rebels a 2-0 lead. Minutes later, the Rebels worked their way into the Clayton box and freshman Jack Wegman scored his first goal of the year, ripping a shot that deflected off a defender and into the goal. Before the halftime whistle could blow, the Rebels found the net again. A beautiful cross by Gustavo Sanchez bounced across the box and found Colin Bruns who managed to deflect it into the goal. At the halftime whistle, the Rebels led 4-0.

In the second half, the Rebels continued to apply the pressure with players stepping into different roles. Liam Ware anchored the defense by playing a solid half at sweeper. With the help of Mike Collins, playing in his first game since injury, Ware and the defense did not allow a shot on goal in the second half. The midfield and offense continued their attack, but the Clayton defense played a stronger second half and limited the Rebel chances. The Rebels still had some opportunities to score in the half, but could never find the net. At one point Wegman fired a free kick off the crossbar and later Andrew Erker found himself alone in front of the goal and lifted his shot over the bar. However, none of these chances resulted in a goal and the game ended 4-0. The win was a powerful statement from the squad and hopefully the beginning of another winning streak.

Goals: Mulvihill (1) Pedro (1) Wegman (1) Bruns (1)
Assists: Sanchez (1)
Shutout: Hoerr (1.5)

Game Balls: Pedro, Liam Ware

Overall Record: 4-1
Up Next: Tuesday Sept. 18 @ 4:15 @ MICDS