CLEVELAND, Tenn. – In the 87
th minute, Matias Milla Munoz calmly stepped up and converted a penalty kick to win the game for the Lee University men's soccer team on Saturday night. It was the only score in a hard fought battle with Tusculum University. With the win, Lee improved to 2-0-2 while Tusculum University fell to 0-2.
In a very balanced game as both teams had 11 shots on goal. Both had six saves and both had four corner kicks.
In the first half, the only solid chance came from Andres Caceres for the Pioneers. His shot in the 28
th minute was tipped by Charles Carriglitto off the post.
In the second half, Thomas Stift, Jesse Thompson, and Andreas Aspiris all had solid shots that Gevin Roux tipped over the crossbar for Tusculum.
Then in the 75
th minute, Thomas Stift had a shot go through the hands of the Pioneers goalkeeper. It started to go across the line and then was punched away before it fully crossed. The officials took a look at it at VAR and upheld the call on the field.
Then in the 87
th minute off of a Lee corner kick, Thompson was taken down in the box. The referee called a penalty and after a VAR check upheld it. Munoz then took the shot for the only goal of the game.
Lee will head to Newberry University on Wednesday for a non-conference matchup.
Coach Derek Potteiger's Thoughts:
"You don't always want the script to go like that, but this early in the season we need that. We believe in ourselves and fight for ourselves, but sometimes you need the evidence and tonight that was huge for us."
