After proving the age-old saying “offense is contagious” in last week’s bout with Lake Forest with a particularly prolific second half, with four goals all coming in under 25 minutes, the Lawrence University men’s soccer team seems to have finally ended the early skid that has thus far been the blemish on their record.
Lawrence was hosted by Carroll College midweek, a team who could hold their own defensively against the Vikes. Carroll played smart defense and wore out a frustrated Viking squad.
Freshman midfielder Rick Moore was held to one shot that was wide of the mark. In all, the Vikings mustered only two shots on goal. Carroll managed nine shots and, while not appearing dominating on offense, took advantage of opportunities to win 2-0.
Saturday the Vikes hosted Monmouth College. Lawrence allowed only three shots, two of which were on goal but handled brilliantly by sophomore goalkeeper Hunter Ryan.
While Viking starters played well by moving the ball and creating opportunities, the surprise on Saturday came off the bench, with both goals being scored by substitutes.
Junior Ryan Pikna led the charge by pelting the opposition with six shots, one of which found home in the 78th minute.
Freshman TJ Frett clocked a beauty from range and added the other Viking goal, securing the 2-0 LU victory.
Sunday the Vikings wrapped up the week with Illinois College and played with the fever that previous Viking soccer teams have shown under current head coach Blake Johnson’s reign.
After only 1:40 the Vikes added their first chicken scratch of the game on a missile from senior forward Max Beltzer. Lawrence defenders allowed just three shots on goal while offenders threw 12 at an Illinois College goalie that seemed to be the only peg holding the Lawrence flood gates from bursting open.
Doug McEneaney added another Viking goal in the 59th minute and in doing so iced the 2-0 Lawrence win.
The Vikings ride a two-game winning streak into their home match up Oct. 14 with Clarke College.
Vikes go 2-1 in first full week of October
