New Trojan Faces Impress in Season-Opening Loss to Trinity Christian
PALOS HEIGHTS, Ill. – The Taylor University men’s soccer team (0-1-0) fell 2-1 to Trinity Christian College (1-0-1) Tuesday night on the road.
Trinity Christian scored right out of the gates, as the Trolls’ Ivan Perez netted his first goal of the season in the match’s second minute to make it 1-0.
The Trojans were able to stave off a few TCC chances, highlighted by a pair of saves by Sam Spiegel, before a foul on Trinity midway through the first half swung the momentum to TU. Just a minute later, a corner kick from Westcliff University transfer Justin Devlin set up freshman Luke Stimpson for his first career goal.
Taylor had a couple more chances prior to halftime, but the match remained knotted at 1-1 heading into the break.
Brian Matipa led the Trojan charge to begin the second half, as he fired two shots (one on goal) in search of the go-ahead score. TU came up empty in its chances, however, which paved the way for Trinity Christian to strike.
With just over 20 minutes to play, TCC’s Perez scored again to put the Trolls in front 2-1.
Following several fouls on the Trolls with under five minutes remaining in the match, Matipa had his team-high third shot attempt blocked. The Trojans responded by forcing three corner kick opportunities, including two in the final minute, but were unable to capitalize on them.
Newcomers Stimpson and Devlin provided the lone goal and assist, respectively for TU, while Spiegel made a game-high five saves.
The Trojans will have a chance to bounce back on Thursday when they travel to Judson University to take on the Eagles (0-0-1) in Elgin, Illinois, at 3:30 p.m.