The University of Evansville men’s soccer team (3-13) set a new season-high in goals to earn a season-ending 4-0 win over Northern Kentucky (8-5-4) on Tuesday night. Sophomore forward Desmond Dolphy tallied a career-high two goals in the victory as forwards Mark Anthony Gonzalez and Nate Opperman each scored a goal on their Senior Night.
“We talked a little bit in the pregame about making sure we do what is right for our seniors,†said Evansville head men’s soccer coach Marshall Ray. “The early goal helped get the monkey off our back and we were able to do some pretty good things out there.â€
UE leapt ahead in the eighth minute when Opperman stole a back pass away from NKU and bested goalkeeper Toby Frohlich for the 1-0 advantage.
“It was an unbelievable feeling winning our last game in front of our home crowd,†added Opperman. “I was very happy to be able to score a goal because my parents were there and we had a great turnout.â€
Up by one, Dolphy then extended the lead for Evansville with goals in the 50th and 70th minutes. Freshman forward Zac Blaydes assisted both goals on crosses into the six yard box as UE pulled ahead 3-0.
Gonzalez then netted the final goal of the night in the 73rd minute, chasing down a long ball from freshman forward Mikey Matic and giving UE the four goal victory.
The goal for Gonzalez was the 27th of his Purple Aces’ career, tying Rob Schoenstein (1982-86) for eighth most in program history.
Dolphy and Opperman end the season with three goals each. Gonzalez finishes with a team-high seven goals. Blaydes rounds out his freshman season with a team-best five assists. Sophomore goalkeeper Matthew Keller made two saves for his second career shutout. The UE win snaps a stretch of 10 consecutive losses.
Prior to the match, Evansville honored their four seniors (defender Vince DiPrimio, Mark Anthony Gonzalez, midfielder Nick Lewis, and Nate Opperman) with an on-field ceremony.
