TU’s Defense Shines in Loss to No. 22 Spring Arbor
UPLAND, Ind. – The Taylor men’s defense had its hands full keeping the No. 22 Spring Arbor’s offense at bay, but eventually fell 1-0 on Wednesday at Turner Stadium.
In both team’s first Crossroads League match of the season, the Trojans (3-5-0, 0-1 CL) saw the Cougars (7-3-0, 1-0 CL) attempt 25 shots and had five on-goal. TU managed to take two shots and had one on-frame, while focusing heavily on its defensive plan to slow down the visitors.
Spring Arbor broke the tie in the 71st minute, when the reigning Crossroads League Player of the Year found the back of the net. Morris Kamara received a short pass from a teammate and headed it in from a couple yards out. The play was set up by a corner kick.
The Purple and Gold felt the pressure early, as the Cougars unleashed four shots in the opening five minutes of the contest and had 12 total in the first 45 minutes of play.
Luke Williams was busy in goal for TU, blocking four shots and flying around the box to interrupt a few Spring Arbor cross passes. Williams kept the game even with a diving save in the opening minutes of the second half. The Cougars had a free kick and sent the ball past TU’s wall of defenders and Williams was able to get his hand on the ball, which ricocheted behind him and clipped the post to go out of play.
It took Taylor a little over 75 minutes to garner its first shot, which came off the boot of Andrew Johnson. A couple minutes later, Paul McBride took aim and sent it sailing over the crossbar. McBride leads the team with 13 shots and Johnson has two.
The Trojans remain at home on Saturday, when Bethel (7-2-1, 1-0 CL) visits for a 1:00 p.m. league match.