Sports
Rio Men’s Soccer Dominates Opening Match 7-1
By: Kaleb Carter
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The Rio Grande RedStorm started the 2013 season off with a flurry of goals in a 7-1 victory over the Saint Xavier (Ill.) Cougars.
Coach Scott Morrissey’s squad scored in short spurts with Maximiliano Viera notching goals in the 15th and 18th minutes. Luiz Filho scored back-to-back goals in the 75th and 90th minutes of play in what was a resoundingly effective second half of play.
Sandwiched between the outbursts of these two were goals by Brandon Simoes (50’), Heitor De Melo (59’), Orlando Zapata (60’) and Pau Delgado Rodriguez (63’).
In the opening half of play, Morrissey’s defense was stout throughout as the RedStorm defense did not allow a single shot attempt. Goalie Jon Dodson was resigned to yelling out directions and encouragement for most of the first half as Rio played on the Cougars’ half of the pitch.
Morrissey was excited about his team’s defensive play, as well as his team’s ability to control possession.
“I think we pinned them in to the defensive half a lot,” said Morrissey. “It really eliminates them from trying to get forward.”
Saint Xavier netted a goal in the 50th minute to make things a bit more tense in Evan E. Davis Field before De Melo’s goal brought a roar from the crowd, his exuberant teammates, and a cannon that elicited several screams during the evening.
Jon Dodson started 73 minutes in the net for Rio Grande before being replaced by Ludovic Delapeyre, a new addition to the team who figures to see time in the net this season. Dodson yielded only one goal and only had to make one save on the evening.
Rio Grande was able to fire off 25 shots on the evening, compared to Saint Xavier’s total of two in what was a dominant performance.
The RedStorm travel to Indiana Wesleyan on Friday, Aug. 30, at 7 p.m. for their next match.