The Lawrence Vikings men’s soccer team (0-4-3) faced off against the Monmouth Fighting Scots (1-7-1) at home on Saturday, Sept. 23. It was both teams’ first game of conference play, and with fantastically worked goals from first-year Alexander Resendiz and junior Rodrigo Angulo, Lawrence were able to maintain a 2-2 draw – breaking a losing streak against Monmouth that stretched back to 2016.
The Vikings encountered an early barrage of shots and goal threats – Monmouth utilized long ball tactics, which involves using many lobbed passes up field to find running forwards. However, junior Zach Dale, center back, and junior Ethan Uribe, keeper — 3 saves — cleared away the opposition’s attacks, both performing solidly in defense.
However, the Viking’s aggressive pressing started to gift them more possession and more time in the opponents’ third. In the 22nd minute, winger Evan Toth crossed it in from the left corner of the box to find substitute Resendiz at the back post for a free header, marking his first collegiate goal. The celebratory mood was cut short, however, after Monmouth drew the game at 1-1 just three minutes later.
Lawrence proceeded to outmatch Monmouth in the midfield, utilizing quick passing and creative midfield play to retain possession and create multiple goal scoring opportunities. Just before the half expired, midfielder Angulo fired a magnificent curving shot into the top right corner from 30 yards out. It was a shot worthy of any highlight reel, and provided sweet redemption for Angulo whose penalty was saved earlier in the half.
However, the second half was much more evenly matched. In the 56th minute of play, Monmouth caught the Viking keeper Nason Lancina, who had 4 saves out of the box, after a clearance and quickly sent the ball back into play from the corner spot. The ball soared into the side netting of the open goal, tying the game at 2-2. Lawrence was unable to find an edge for the rest of the half, and the two teams settled for a draw.
Despite the disappointing result, the fact that Lawrence was already looking polished in the midfield bodes well for the rest of their conference against tougher opponents. Their attacking efforts are looking dangerous too – Resendiz’s screamer of a goal could already be the goal of the season, and many of their scoring chances were denied by bad luck in the form of the goalposts. Additionally, well over half of the team are made up of first-years and sophomores – a young core gearing up for the future. If they are already playing this smoothly, I’m excited to see what the future holds.
The Vikings play again at home against Beloit on Tuesday, Oct. 3 at 7:00 p.m.