Memphis, Tenn. – In what always prove to be a closely contested match the Lee men's soccer team made it five straight victories with a 2-1 road triumph over Christian Brothers University on Friday night to open Gulf South Conference play.
Senior Quade Marinell got the Flames on the board in the 28th minute as he hammered home his fifth goal of the season on an assist from Drew Jackson. Marinell is now tied with All-American David Perez for the team lead in goals scored.
"We really had two great goals tonight," said head coach Paul Furey. "Quade's goal was a result of a combination of about four passes before Drew put Quade in behind."
Freshman Samaan Williams would get on the score sheet for the first time in his young career at the 40:16 mark to give Lee a 2-0 advantage. Arturo Rocha was credited with the assist.
"That was a big goal for Samaan as his first collegiate goal turned out to be the game winner," noted head coach Paul Furey. "Arturo set the play up nicely. He really has been doing a terrific job despite limited minutes. He was big for us tonight."
After the halftime intermission Xavi Lao cut into the lead with a goal off a pass from Andrew McKeever in the 56th minute to set up a feverish battle to the finish.
Lee freshman goalkeeper, Drew Hrenko would make the lead stick as the Flames secured their second all-time win over against the Memphis club. Hrenko, fresh off GSC Defender of the Week honors, recorded five saves and is now a perfect 5-0-0 on the season.
"Always a tough physical match against CBU, so to get this one on the road is big," added Furey.
Christian Brothers did outshot the Flames, 18-6 and put six shots on frame compared to three for Lee. Bucs' keeper Ricardo Lao registered one save in the loss.
The Flames are now 6-3 overall and 1-0 in league play. After dropping a contest to Tusculum at home on Sept. 10 the Lee men have rattled off five straight wins, three of which have come on the road. The Bucs fall to 4-3 and are 0-2 in the GSC.
Lee will look to keep the winning streak alive as they travel down the road to Jackson to battle Union University on Sunday at 5:30 p.m.
