Rivermen STOMP

RIVERMEN STOMP IUPU-FT. WAYNE 2-0

Men's soccer snages a much-needed win after returning to full roster

by Ken Dunkin

staff editor

Rivermen #22 Mark Mendenhall fights for possession of the ball in the Oct. 10 game vs. SIU-Edwardsville

After several tough games the Rivermen soccer team improved their conference standings with a win over IUPU-Ft. Wayne.
The Rivermen, 8-5-1 on the season, regrouped after last weekend's dismal games in which they lost to Quincy 2-0 and tied Southern Indiana 2-2. This weekend they responded with a 2-0 victory over IUPU-Ft. Wayne.
"This was one of our better games this season," Rivermen Head Coach Tom Redmond said. "Every section of the field was covered well and every player played their part." The Rivermen offense poured on the shots against IUPU; they had 11 for the game. The numerous shots paid off as Scott Luczak scored early in the game with an assist from Mark Mendenhall. Mendenhall then put the game away late in the game with a goal. Joe Stdko assisted on Mendenhall's goal.
Goalie Kevin McCarthy also played well for the Rivermen. He recorded his seventh shut-out of the season. He has also kept his goals against total down this season. He allows 1.22 goals per game.
"Kevin has really stepped up for us this season," Redmond said. "He made it a point this summer to come in and be a better college goalie. This season the defense is better but he does get tested two or three times a game and he usually comes up big."
The previous weekend the team had been hampered with several problems. The injuries, red card sit-outs and other problems had hurt the team numbers. This was cause for the team to struggle against both Quincy and Southern Indiana.
"We lost five of our ten starters last week. Any time you lose that many players it is trouble," Redmond said.
The IUPU game was the first time in weeks the team had their full roster. It was the first game back for the several of the players.
"I think they were happy to be back and it really showed on the field," Redmond said.
This weekend will be a huge test for the Rivermen. They host the UM-St. Louis Gaffney's Classic next weekend at the Mark Twain Field. Competition will be tough as two regional powerhouses will face off against the Rivermen. The team will face off against Truman State Saturday and Rockhurst on Sunday.
"We are hoping for some big wins," Redmond said. "Two victories against teams of their caliber would really help us out."
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