Lancers explode in goal fest against Cornerstone
WINONA LAKE, Ind. – Coming off a string of disappointing ranked defeats, Grace’s men’s soccer team flexed its muscles on Saturday.
The Lancers erupted offensively, routing Cornerstone 4-0 at 1st Source Bank Field.
Grace had four different goalscorers in the contest with Ethan Vigario and Martim Cardoso each recording a goal and an assist.
The match kickoff was delayed 45 minutes due to transportation issues from the Golden Eagles, and the slow start seemed to follow Cornerstone on the pitch.
Grace shined during the opening minutes, putting Cornerstone into an early hole. The opening goal came on the first shot attempt.
Grace intercepted the ball deep in CU’s territory in the fourth minute. TJ White picked out Cardoso in a dangerous position, and Cardoso clinically finished past the goalkeeper.
Cardoso nearly scored minutes later on a similar play, but his shot was saved.
Ten minutes after Cardoso’s miss, Grace doubled its lead. The Lancers attacked rapidly, and Cardoso picked out Vigario, who curled his shot past the goalkeeper.
Felipe Gruber had a shot that clanged off the goalpost, and Vigario also had an effort hit the crossbar.
The Lancers found their third goal midway into the first half. Vigario assisted Marco Poliani for a goal in his Lancer home debut, lifting Grace to a 3-0 advantage.
The fourth goal of the half came after a perfectly located long pass from Frederik Christmann. The pass connected with a speeding Connor Pugh, who blasted his shot into the net.
The Lancers claimed a dominant 4-0 lead at halftime. Grace was lethal with its attempts, making four of its nine shots in the half.
Grace showcased its possession to begin the second half. The Lancers moved the ball fluidly across the pitch, rarely allowing the Golden Eagles time on the ball.
As the half wore on, both teams used their substitutes liberally. Cornerstone had seven shot attempts after halftime, but most were outside the penalty box.
Neither side was able to find the back of the net again in the second half, resulting in the final 4-0 scoreline.
Matteo Conci recorded six saves to register the shutout in goal for Grace.
The Lancers are at home again two times next week. Grace hosts Madonna on Wednesday at 5 p.m. before a clash with No. 5 Columbia on Saturday at 12 p.m.