Torres Goal, Stout Defense Sends Firebirds to 6th Straight Win, 1-0 vs. West Chester
| Final | 1 | 2 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
West Chester (5-2-1) | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|
Dist. Columbia (7-2) | 1 | 0 | 1 |
WASHINGTON, DC – Gabriel Torres' header goal at 20:49 proved the gamewinner as the Firebird defense held visiting West Chester University to just four shots on goal, and the University of the District of Columbia men's soccer team earned its sixth straight victory, 1-0.
Sophomore goalkeeper Joao Brusamolin (2-2) stopped all four shots he faced as he earned his 2nd complete game shutout of the season and 3rd of his career. Brusamolin and the Firebirds' back line of freshman Pablo Basarte, senior Victor Salinas Furio, and senior Liam Haycock held scoreless a Golden Rams offense that came in averaging 3.67 goals per-game over the last three games. UDC, which entered the game ranked No. 10 in the United Soccer Coaches East Region poll, improved to 7-2 overall and 4-0 at home this season with today's win.
West Chester, which came in ranked No. 4 in the USC Atlantic Region poll and was receiving votes for the top-25 national poll, had its five game unbeaten streak snapped as the Golden Rams fell to 5-2-1 overall. WCU goalkeeper Matt Palmer (4-1-1) made three saves and allowed one goal in a complete game losing effort.
In a matchup featuring two regionally-ranked teams which both were unbeaten in their last five games, the statistics were quite even. Each team took eight shots in the first half and four shots in the 2nd half for a total of 12, the Firebirds had a 4-3 edge in saves, and UDC did double-up the Golden Rams, 6-3 in corner kicks.
Torres scored the gamewinner nearly mid-way through the first half on a play set up by a Salinas Furio throw-in just beyond midfield. Sophomore transfer midfielder Jason Mayorga controlled the throw, took a few touches and lofted a cross into the middle of the field which was headed in by the nation's 5th leading goal scorer for his 11th goal of the season. The assist was Mayorga's 2nd of the season.
UDC will return to East Coast Conference play Saturday as they travel to Rockville Centre, NY to take on Molloy College at 3 p.m. The Firebirds look to improve to 3-0 in league play and extend their overall win streak to seven games.