Lipscomb Men’s Soccer (1-0) opened the season with a new conference logo, new jersey design and a win over Florida Atlantic University (0-1) on Friday night at the Lipscomb soccer complex.
“I thought it was a great start for the season,” head coach Charles Morrow said. “We’re still nursing some injuries from the preseason, but I thought the guys that played tonight all looked good.”
Ivan Alvarado, the ASUN Preseason Player of the Year, did not play, but that did not stop the Bison’s from putting in a collective effort.
Logan Paynter shot a volley from the 18 yard box in the 18th minute, but FAU keeper Philip Hitpass made a leaping save. The shot was one of 10 the Bisons had for the night.
The ASUN Preseason Goalkeeper of the Year, Micah Bledsoe, came up with a diving save after a defensive breakdown in the 24th minute.
Both teams had limited chances in the first half, with the defenses controlling the tempo and keeping the respective offense in check, resulting in a 0-0 halftime score.
“We were playing a team that, defensively, puts a lot of numbers back,” Morrow said. “They can lull you into putting too many numbers forward, and they can hurt you on a counterattack.”
However, the Lipscomb offense started hitting its stride in the second half.
The Bisons’ first goal of the season was a van-Persie-esque diving finish by junior Scout Monteith off of a set piece, giving Lipscomb a 1-0 lead. The assist was delivered from last season’s leading scorer, Logan Paynter.
“I thought our guys did a good job of being patient as the game wore on,” Morrow noted. “We were able to take advantage of some opportunities that slipped away from us in the first half.”
The Bisons added another goal in the 78th minute, with Ivan Sakou booting in the second goal of the season, extending the Bison lead to 2-0. Javier Leija assisted Sakou.
Hitpass was given a red card and was ejected after fouling Lipscomb freshman Malik Shaheed in the box, giving the Bisons a penalty kick in the 81st minute. Paynter would get on the board, scoring the penalty kick against FAU’s backup goalie, Daniel Ragoo, resulting in a final score of 3-0.
“Logan’s playing great, and he had a good year last year,” Morrow said. “All signs would say that he’ll be just as strong of a player this year.”
The Bisons next home match will be against the Western Illinois Leathernecks on Sunday, Aug. 28 at 1 p.m. at the Lipscomb Soccer Complex.
Photo courtesy of Lipscomb Athletics