Box Score Trent Rickard scored two goals as The Master's University (0-1) men's soccer squad opened their season with a 5-2 loss to Occidental College Friday in Los Angeles, Calif.
Occidental came out swinging as TMU gave up three first half goals in a span of 12 minutes which the Tigers used to coast to a 3-goal victory.
"We came out really flat and they punished us for it," TMU Head Coach Jim Rickard said. "We made a couple of errors and gave up some tough goals. Something that is totally fixable though."
Trent Rickard's first goal came shortly after halftime at the 47th-minute mark to narrow the gap to 3-1, with his second coming on a penalty kick in the 74th minute. However Occidental scored again with 16 minutes to go and with nine minutes remaining to push the lead to 5-2 and seal the game.
"We switched it up though in the second half and were able to get some momentum," Coach Rickard said. "It's just tough when you're already down 0-3."
The Mustangs nearly matched the Tigers in shots (16-17) and shots on goal (6-7) but Occidental was able to capitalize on their opportunities.
Trent Rickard led TMU with seven shots with
Jo Yokota,
Zach Rodriguez, and
Kai Terentieff each adding two shots.
Evan Hurley recorded a shot on goal and TMU goalkeepers
Hansen Anderson and
Julian Graham each notched a save.
It doesn't get any easier for the Mustangs as TMU will have to face NAIA opponent Eastern Oregon next Monday at home before hosting California Lutheran on Thursday.
