BOX SCORE
SALT LAKE CITY – The Westminster men's soccer team opened the 2010 campaign with a 2-1 upset victory over second-ranked The Master's College on Thursday at Dumke Field. Westminster (1-0-0) used two second half goals to rally past the 2009 NAIA runner-up and start the season in exciting fashion.
Jake Marchesani put The Master's (0-1-0) in front 1-0 when he scored in the 26th minute and just two minutes after entering the contest. Marchesani collected a 50/50 ball and fired it inside the far post from just inside the box. The game would remain 1-0 until the 65th minutes when Westminster senior
Nic Duncan buried a shot from 20 yards just below the crossbar for the equalizer.
Eight minutes later the Griffins benefited from a hand ball call just outside the side of the Mustangs' box. Westminster sophomore
Jace Maxfield buried the free kick into the side netting for the eventual game-winner. It was Maxfield's first career goal at Westminster.
The Master's controlled much of the action in the first 45 minutes as they jumped out to a 6-2 advantage in shots in the opening half. The second half was played more even with each team attempting five shots apiece. TMC also finished the game with a 7-1 advantage in corner kicks.
Damir Sabanovic earned his first career shutout in his first career start between the pipes for the Griffins. He recorded five saves in the contest. Duncan recorded two shots in the contest and was the only Griffins with more than a single opportunity.
The win improves the Griffins to 18-7-2 all-time in home openers and runs the home opener winning streak to nine games. They are now 26-7-2 all-time in games played at Dumke Field and they have now handed TMC two of the last three losses they have suffered. Westminster claimed a 1-0 win in a September 19 meeting last season.
Marchesani attempted a game-high four shots coming off the bench for the Mustangs. Doug Armstrong attempted two shots and put both on frame. Andrew Bussell suffered the loss in goal.
Westminster returns to action on Friday when they host 10th-ranked Benedictine College at Dumke Field. That game is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m.
