FAYETTE, Mo. – It took a year, but the No. 1 Central Methodist men's soccer team finally got its revenge against the team that handed them its first loss a season ago. The Eagles pulled away in the second half to top Benedictine (Kan.) on Wednesday night, 5-0.
Last year, the Ravens scored two goals in the final 12 minutes to upset the Eagles in Atchison. Tonight, a first-half penalty kick save by Vince Gelei (SR/Dunakeszi, Hungary) snuffed out the only scoring chance Benedictine would have in the game.
"I was happy with the way our guys responded to physical play," said coach Alex Nichols. "The only way to deal with things like that is to control what we can control and push through. We did a great job with that tonight."
At the time of the PK save, the Eagles were clinging to a one-goal lead thanks to a goal from Alberto Pangrazzi (SR/Lavis (TN), Italy) in the 14th minute. Pangrazzi would eventually end up with a hat trick.
In the 43rd minute, Rian Marques (SR/Itabuna, Brazil) punched in his first goal of the season. Victor Luengo (SO/Madrid, Spain) picked up his second assist of the half on the tally.
Pangrazzi scored his second and third goal of the night in the 64th and 82nd minute, respectively. Luc Alvarez (SR/Toulose, France) concluded the scoring in the 85th minute. It was Alvarez's first goal of the season. Junior Kazeem (SR/London, England) had two assists in the second half, as well.
Central held the offensive advantage in shots, 19-4, and corner kicks, 7-1. Gelei recorded one save to get the win in the net.
Next up for the Eagles is a road trip to Iowa to take on Mount Mercy on Saturday at 3:30 pm.
