The Aurora University Spartan men's soccer team matched up against the undefeated and No. 4 ranked Stars of Dominican University today at Vago Field. Both teams entered the contest undefeated in Northern Athletics Conference play with the Stars holding a 5-0 record, 10-0 overall, while the Spartans were
4-0 with a 6-4-1 record overall.
Dominican University showed early why they are the top ranked team in the region with a quick goal just two minutes into the game. On the score, sophomore forward Ryan Roberts would split the Spartan defense with a pass to fellow sophomore forward Leo Elizalde setting Elizalde up for the first goal of the game.
AU would not lose composure and battled hard creating several good scoring opportunities for themselves and deterring numerous shots on goal by the Stars.
The Spartans caught a big break in the 35th minute in the first half when AU senior midfielder Mike Emma received a yellow card for a hand ball in the keeper box.
Spartan senior goalkeeper Kevin Soderstrom stoned the Star penalty kick attempt, keeping the contest 1-0 Dominican.
The half would end with the score still 1-0 in favor of the Stars. Dominican totaled 11 shots with seven of those on the goal as the Spartans attempted just three shots managing to place all of them on goal.
Soderstrom kept the Stars from scoring any additional goals with six saves in the half.
The second period resumed much how the first ended, with plays being made by both teams defense. That was until the 67th minute when sophomore defense man Andy Lynch would find freshman forward
Petar Milenkovich for the Stars second goal.
The Spartans continued to fight but were unable to convert on any scoring opportunities and in the final minutes would allow the Stars their third goal. The Spartan defense, with little time remaining, was pressing up which left them a little vulnerable and Lynch would find junior Lio Tovar for the Stars last goal.
The game would end as a 3-0 win for Dominican University. On the game Soderstrom had seven saves including one blocked penalty kick. AU attempted seven shots, four of which were on goal.
Next action for the Spartans is Saturday, October 9, 2010 at Maranatha Baptist Bible College. Kick-off is at 3:45 p.m. in Watertown, Wis.
