Coach Vernon Mummert challenged his players to get out to a fast start Tuesday afternoon against Rose-Hulman. But it was Rose that answered the challenge, scoring two goals in the first ten minutes of the soccer match on the way to a 4-2 victory ovr Wabash at Mud Hollow Field.
"We wanted to start quickly and apply pressure offensively and defensively," said Mummert. "But we never got the opportunity. When you fall behind 2-0 that quickly, you just remind players to not give up. I was proud of the way we battled back."
After a goal by Rose's Matt Trowbridge five minutes into the match, and another by David McIlwaine four minutes later, the Little Giants responded midway through the first period with a goal from Gary Simkus (Highland, IN/Highland) (photo left). A cross on a corner kick was batted around in front of the net before clearing out to Jason Bunning (Evansville, IN/Harrison) on the right side. He slipped a pass to Simkus in the box, who blasted his shot home to trim the Engineers' lead to one goal.
But just as the two teams settled into play at the start of the second half, Rose ripped off two quick goals in the 68th and 69th minutes. Trevor Miller scored the third goal of the match for the Engineers, then Trowbridge added his second goal just over one minute later.
The Little Giants added a final score in the closing minutes when Ryan Leagre (Fishers, IN/Hamilton Southeastern) fired a shot home on a pass from Ben Esbaum (Cicero, IN/Hamilton Heights).
Will McAdams (Carmel, IN/Carmel) kept the Little Giants close with with two huge first period saves that could have allowed Rose-Hulman to break the match open. McAdams faced 13 shots and six shots on goal. Wabash fired 18 shot attepts with nine going on goal.
Wabash (0-3) will play in the Centre College Soccer Classic Saturday and Sunday. The Little Giants open play Saturday afternoon against Benedictine College from Chicago before playing Center Sunday afternoon.
Sports home page image - Greg Ridenour battles for the ball in the Little Giants' 4-2 loss to Rose-Hulman Tuesday evening.