Back to SCAC

The Pirates are looking forward to getting back to the confines of SCAC play. Last weekend, the Pirates were defeated by a previous NCAA National Champion St. Lawrence University by a score line of 2-0. The Pirates are 1-7 on the season out of conference play, yet are 5-1 in the always tough Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference.

The Saints were a typical northeast soccer team and proved to be a difficult opponent on the day for the Pirates. The Saints used their size and grit to win the physical battle, along with the Pirates lack of energy but were able to keep it 0-0 into the half. The second half was much of the same until first year Ryan Staten (Temple, TX) energized the attack and gave life to the sedated Pirates. Staten came onto the field and simply provided a spark of work rate and creativity with the ball at his feet to create some goal scoring opportunities. The Pirates did end up with several good chances but were unable to convert. Even though the Pirates gave up two goals on the day, senior Kevin Jordan (Austin, TX) continued his strong play in the back. Leading the way by delivering hard tackles and keeping the Pirates in the match. The Saints out shot the Pirates 20-9 and held the corner advantage 6-2.

This week:

The Pirates have been flying around and had a solid week of training. The Pirates have again worked on finishing and attacking combinations in the final third of the field and are ready to record another SCAC victory as they prepare for battle with the Millsaps Majors at 2:00 PM on Friday, October 24, 2008. The Pirates currently sit in second place in the SCAC behind #1 Trinity University.

Series Notes:

The past five seasons the Pirates are 4-1 versus the Majors. The Pirates have out scored Millsaps 15-2 and having three shut outs in the process. In 2007, the Pirates got two goals a piece from Josh Spencer and David Lozano for a 4-0 victory (out shooting them 22-4 with a 6-3 corner kick advantage). Two seasons ago was much of the same story, the Pirates outshot them 15-3 and 4-2 in corners in a 5-0 shut out win. Preston Hollis had a career day with 2 goals and 1 assist in the SCAC win and Josh Spencer added a goal. Ryan Tasin has recorded two shutouts versus Millsaps in his career making only 4 saves in those two wins.

check out the St. Lawrence match SU press release:

http://southwesternpirates.cstv.com/sports/m-soccer/spec-rel/102008aaa.html