ANGOLA, Ind. – The Trine University men's soccer team opened up the home portion of their schedule on Saturday with a 2-0 victory over Elmhurst University on Weaver Field. Despite getting outshot 15-6 in the match, the Thunder were able to make the most of their opportunities with senior Tyler Murphy (two goals) and freshman Britton Sala (two assists) combining for two second half scores.
The win makes Trine 1-2-2 in the 2023 season while the Elmhurst Bluejays fall to 1-5-1.
"It feels amazing to get our first win of the season and nothing better than for it to happen at home," Murphy commented post-match. "That's something we've preached since day one is to win our games at home."
The best opportunities for the Thunder came early in the first half, but four offside penalties against Trine would put an end to the scoring threats. Freshman Landon Moreland was able to get a shot off in the 14th minute, but it was blocked by the Bluejay defense.
The defensive unit of junior Luke Kearns as well as sophomores Liam Zimmerman, Gavin Hardy and Ryan Cote were able to keep Elmhurst off the board by getting bodies to the opposing forwards and on shot attempts. They had blocks on three of the seven shots by Elmhurst in a scoreless first. Goalkeeper Aidan McGonagle made two saves in the opening period.
Just five minutes in to the second half, Trine found their scoring chance when Sala distributed a pass in left side of the box to Murphy for the match's first goal in the 50th minute. Up 1-0, the pressure was on the defense to preserve the shutout.
In the 68th minute, the Bluejays had one of their best scoring opportunities of the afternoon when they received a free kick that was turned into a shot just outside the box. McGonagle was able to make the play on it for his third save of the match.
The combination of Sala and Murphy would add insurance to the Thunder lead with another goal in minute 82, this one coming right in front of the net. For the freshman Sala, it was the first two points of his career. "It makes me feel good to have a big impact on the game and I'm more confident knowing I get to play with guys like Tyler, he did all the hard work by finishing it," Sala mentioned. "I'm happy about being able to contribute to the team win!"
Freshman Brayden Macy tried to provide even more help on the offensive side of the ball with a shot on goal, but it was turned away by the Elmhurst keeper. In the final minutes of the match, the Bluejays made one final push, but none of their attempts were on frame to keep the 2-0 shutout.
Looking ahead on the schedule, Trine will be at home once again on Wednesday, September 20 with a 5:30 p.m. kick-off against Ohio Northern University. "I think this win boosted our energy," Murphy said. "It's a big motivation boost, we play a lot of really tough teams and we can get down sometimes when we lose or tie but now we can take all this momentum into the next game."