The Red Raider men's soccer team (1-0) put on a show for their season opener dominating Viterbo University (Wis.) from start to finish Tuesday night, 5-0.
The scoring opened up in the 8th minute as the V-Hawks struggled to keep the Raider attack out of their own defensive third and a strong cross was whipped into the box and the Viterbo defender headed the ball into his own net. The flood gates would open up after the 8th minute as the Raiders poured on the attack and put another in the back of the net in the 12th minute.
Mateus Fretias found himself in a great position in front of goal and hit a low, hard shot to the back post where the Viterbo keeper got a peice of the shot but it rebounded directly to Brennen Haggerty to tapped home the rebound for his second career Red Raider goal. Freitas' assist is is 14th of his career which puts him tied for 4th all time in Raider history with David Rhodes (1999-2002).
The Raiders would add a third a minute later as
Jake Foscalina found himself in front of goal and took a hard shot that deflected off the defender and went into the back of the net. The goal was Foscalina's first as a Red Raider.
The half would end 3-0 in the Raider's favor but it could have been more if keeper Nate Regas didn't keep Viterbo in the match.
The second half started off quick again for the Raiders as
Anselmo Kim beat his defender 1v1 at the top of the box and hit a great shot past Regas. The 53rd minute goal was Kim's 22nd career goal.
The Raiders added a late goal in the half off a great cross by
Gijs Dingemans who found
Cole Cruse for the easy finish. It was Dingemans' first career assist and Cruse's 6th career goal.
"It was good to get our first match in," commented head coach
Dan Swier. "The guys looked sharp early and capitalized on a thier chances. They kept the ball well and stayed patient, which is a big emphasis as we prepared to play this match."
Northwestern takes to field again on August 30 as they host Florida National in their first ever meeting. Kickoff is slated for 7pm.
