CHICAGO - It was a dominating effort for the Trine University men's soccer team as freshmen Bill Wilson (Mason, Mich./Mason) and Zach O'Brien (Metamora, Mich./Lapeer West) each recorded a pair of goals and an assist as the Thunder picked up their first win of the season 6-1 over the Illinois Institute of Technology. Trine's record now sits at 1-1 for the season.
Things didn't start the Thunder's way as they gave up a quick goal to the Scarlet Hawks just 3:19 into the game. Trine rebounded quickly as Sophomore Kenny Rappuhn (Grand Blanc, Mich./Goodrich) tied the game with his first goal of the season at the 6:10 mark on an assist from Wilson.
The Thunder would pad the scoreboard late in the half as they added goals at 25:53, 30:02 and 31:33 of the period.
O'Brien got the scoring streak started with his first collegiate goal off an assist from senior Daniel Kuehn (Saline, Mich./Saline). Wilson would also add the first goal of his college career on an assist from sophomore Nick Lang (Indianapolis, Ind./Cathedral). Wilson would then close out the half to put the Thunder up 4-1 as O'Brien and senior David Duquette (Wilmington, Ohio/Wilmington) assisted on the goal.
It took Trine nearly 30 minutes to score in the second half, but when they did, it would happen quickly as they scored twice just 1:35 apart. It would again be O'Brien getting things started at 73:46 with his second of the day off an assist from senior Ryan Schreiner (Bryan, Ohio/Bryan). Sophomore Chris Short (North Webster, Ind./Pendleton Heights) closed things out as he scored unassisted for his first career goal with 14:39 remaining.
Junior Chris Stewart (Rochester Hills, Mich./Rochester) earned the win for the Thunder in goal recording two saves in just under 70 minutes of play. Freshman Ian Jindrich (Aurora, Ill./Metea Valley) came on the play the final 20 minutes in net but did not record a save.
The Thunder offense took full advantage of their opportunities as both teams attempted 18 shots on the night. In the opening half, the Thunder made good on 50 percent of their chances (4-for-8) while Illinois Tech took 12 shots.
For Trine, it was the most goals in a game since their 8-0 win over the City College of N.Y. on Sept. 6, 2010.
Trine won't have much time to celebrate as they face Aurora (IL) tomorrow, Sept. 7 at 2:00 p.m. (CST) at Illinois Tech.
