Jim Rickard made a resolution on Saturday.
After The Master's University men's soccer team lost its season opener 2-0 to Fresno Pacific, the longtime Mustang head coach decided to remember only his team's stellar finish.
"I've decided to put the first half behind us forever," Rickard said.
The Mustangs took all eight of their shots after halftime, adjusting to the speed and physicality of Fresno Pacific (1-1), a former Golden State Athletic Conference team that now competes in NCAA Division 2. Three of TMU's chances were especially dangerous.
One came when freshman Theo Kudlo sent a free kick to Giorgio Martino, who was one-on-one with Fresno's keeper. Martino blasted a shot from 12 yards out, but FPU's Patrick Timmer made one of his six saves.
At another juncture, Prince Chingancheke beat two defenders from the left flank and shot a far post bender that Timmer saved.
"We were a completely different team in the second half," Rickard said. "Our individual and team pressure was much better, we were aggressive and we seemed more committed to keeping the ball once we won it."
Senior defender Peter Mackay said adjustments were to be expected in TMU's first game since Nov. 9, 2019, and the rust was compounded by the loss of numerous seniors from a year ago. TMU's starting lineup featured six new players Saturday.
"After a disappointing first half, we were able to relax and just start playing soccer," Mackay said. "Chemistry will come with time, but I loved the effort through the whole match."
Rickard highlighted transfer Michael Nachfoerg's play in the midfield and Armando Torres's work at center back. Rickard also said Chingancheke "really blossomed in the second half offensively, holding off defenders and cutting them up for crosses and shots."
"He is very tricky on the ball," Rickard said.
Fresno's goals came in the 39th and 86th minutes. The Firebirds attempted 15 shots in all, eight on goal. Price Anderson started at goalie for TMU, making two saves in the first half. Kian Bensend played goalie for the final 45 minutes and made four saves.
"Fresno was a very skilled and physical team with quick ball movement and individual creativity," Rickard said. "It was a perfect match to test us and force us to compete at a high level. (Fresno Head Coach) Jaime (Ramirez) does a great job with them, and it was exciting to reconnect with him after so many years."
The Mustangs will host Cal Baptist University on Tuesday at 3 p.m. Fans will not be admitted, but live video and stats will be provided at GoMustangs.com/Watch.
