Grace Soccer Rallies To Win
WINONA LAKE – The Grace College men’s soccer team recovered from a one-goal deficit at halftime to defeat Moody Bible 2-1 at Miller Field on Saturday.
Kyle Hamlin tied the match in the 53rd minute, and Nikola Blazic converted a penalty kick to win the game 10 minutes later.
The Lancers (3-1) outshot the Archers (0-1) in the match 17-7, including a 9-2 advantage after halftime.
Grace nearly scored twice in the first half off set pieces from Danilo Carnelos and Justin Festa, but each time the Archers saved the ball off the goal line. Carnelos tried the bend a free kick into the net, and Festa’s header was also saved at the last moment.
The Archers opened the scoring in the 35th minute when Jacob Robbins finished off a rebound from close range.
The Lancers found the equalizer less than 10 minutes into the second half. Nikola Blazic played a through ball to Austin Altimus, and Altimus swung a ball in front of the net to Kyle Hamlin for a one-time finish at the 52:43 mark.
Gift Sibukome was tackled inside the penalty box less than 10 minutes later to earn a penalty kick. Nikola Blazic lined up for the kick and promptly slotted the ball inside the post at the 62:08 mark.
Neither team was able to produce a goal in the final 28 minutes as Grace’s strong possession kept the match in the Lancers’ favor.
Robbie Barnhill earned the win in goal for the Lancers, making one save in 90 minutes. Altimus led Grace with four shots, and Trent Smith had three shots with two on goal.
The Lancers continue play at Miller Field on Sept. 6 against Campbellsville, who is receiving votes in the NAIA Top 25 Coaches’ Poll.