The Moody Archers men's soccer team moves to 5-4 on the season with a 4-2 win over a strong St. Mary's College of the Woods team on Senior Day. Archers goals were scored by junior forward Will Snyder (2), senior midfielder Dani Martinez and junior defender Nick Gaviria.
The Archers came into the match following a strong performance in Tuesday's 1-0 with over Maranatha Baptist University. SMCW entered the match after winning eight of their first nine games, five of these wins by three goals or more.
Moody won a penalty kick in the 31st minute after junior striker Beau Rokala was taken down in the box after getting on the end of a Martinez cross. Snyder converted the penalty kick for his first collegiate goal.
The Archers took a 1-0 advantage into the locker room, after being outshot 16-12 in the first half.
It did not take long for Moody to find the back of the net in the second half. Snyder won a free kick in the attacking third in the 50th minute. While the SMCW defense was getting set, Martinez took the free kick quickly and found the top corner.
The third goal followed quickly, as Snyder was taken down in the box during a set piece in the 56th minute. Gaviria stepped up and slotted it home to give the Archers a three goal advantage.
In the 61st minute, SMCW striker Omar Nabils made a long run through the Archers' defense and was tripped in the box and awarded a penalty kick. Freshman goalkeeper Kaden McCloughan saved the penalty with a dive to his left.
Snyder quickly added the fourth in the 67th minute, off an assist from Martinez. Snyder received the ball at the top of the box, dribbled past two defenders and smashed the ball into the top corner.
But, SMCW kept pressing, finding two goals of their own in the 70th and 82nd minute. Ultimately, Moody's defense remained solid to preserve the victory.
The Archers honored the six seniors on the roster following the game: Martinez, midfielder Jared Weix, midfielder Liam Clinch, midfielder Ben Worley, defender Micah Waweru and defender Connor Bollenbacher.
"I am so excited at this performance," said coach Jon Forsythe, "To beat such a strong opponent on senior day is so special - every player has worked so hard for this, and to be able to celebrate with fans, family and friends is an incredible experience."
The Archers are back in action on Tuesday against regional rival Maranatha Baptist University for their second meeting of the year.