Men’s Soccer Opens Season in Promising Fashion

By Harrison Slaughter, Sports Editor
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September 2, 2015
The UNC Asheville men’s soccer team moved to 2-0 for the first time since 2001 after a come from behind 2-1 win against Long Island University Brooklyn.
The last time the Bulldogs opened the season 2-0, they went on to win the Big South Season Championship.
“I thought it was a very impressive team win for us against a very physical team. In the second half we did a good job initiating the point of attack and we had two classy goals,” said Mathes Mennell, head coach of the UNCA men’s soccer team. “Today was another positive step forward and these types of battles will prepare us for the Big South.”
In the sixth minute of the contest, an LIU player was given a red card, which put the Blackbirds a man down for the rest of the match. Despite playing a man short, LIU took the lead in the 23rd minute on a goal by Rasmus Hansen, forward for the Blackbirds.
The Bulldogs went into the locker room for halftime trailing 1-0.
Zach Joens, forward for the Bulldogs, scored the equalizer on a free kick from just outside the box in the 54th minute.
Both teams were aggressive throughout the match with LIU recording three yellow cards on top of the red card and UNCA recording one yellow card.
In the 72nd minute, sophomore Ben Chapel found the back of the net on an assist from A.J. Liames for the game-winning goal.
Zak Davis, goalkeeper for the Bulldogs, recorded five saves for the second straight game.
“Overall, I am pleased that we came back and won in front of our home fans. I am excited for where we are going and for the players to have found two wins in two games,” Mennell said. “We certainly have a lot to work on, but this was another positive step forward.”