TMU Men's Soccer claims shutout victory on Senior Day

A goal in each half lifted TMU Men's Soccer to a 2-0 Golden State Athletic Conference victory over visiting Arizona Christian University, as the Mustangs celebrated Senior Day on Reese Field in style.
 
"I'm proud of my team for getting a win on Senior Day," Master's head coach Jim Rickard said. "I can't say enough about the effort and determination of the entire squad. They all worked relentlessly the entire game."
 
The Mustangs opened up the scoring in just the eighth minute of play when Michael Nachfoerg's corner kick was met in the air by a powerful Aidan Rohde header.
 
"Michael hit a great cross and Aidan finished a magnificent header," Rickard said. "That early goal gave us some much-needed energy playing back-to-back days."
 
After the Mustangs took a 1-0 lead into halftime, the Firestorm had a golden opportunity to equalize from the penalty spot in the 55th minute, but Mustang goalkeeper Kian Bensend saved the ensuing spot kick.
 
Rohde came close to scoring his second goal of the game in the 72nd minute, after his initial shot was blocked but he was able to latch onto the rebound before forcing a save out of the opposing goalie.
 
TMU was then able to double its advantage in the 83rd, when Jesus Torres collected a poor clearance before calmly finishing into the side netting just inside the far-right post.
 
"We can thank Giorgio Martino and Angel for pressuring the defense into giving up the opportunity for the second goal by Angel," Rickard said in reference to Torres. "That was much needed insurance because they hit the post just after the second goal."
 
Both teams recorded an even 12 shots, with each putting five on target, but the Mustangs were able to hold on and claim their second shutout in the past three games. Bensend set a career-high with five saves between the posts.
 
Seniors Peter Mackay, Armando Torres, Brayden Campos and Carlos Moreno were honored at halftime for their contributions to the Mustang program.
 
Master's will also be credited with a forfeit victory for a matchup against Life Pacific that was originally scheduled for this coming Tuesday. With that result, TMU finishes the regular season with a 3-6-2 overall record, including 2-5-1 within the GSAC.

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