Written by: Angel Maldonado, Athletic Communications Graduate Assistant
GREENSBORO, N.C- The Guilford College men's soccer team defended their home turf at Armfield Athletic Center on Friday evening, securing their second win of the season, 2-0, against Greensboro College.
The Quakers claim the throne of the 'Boro, moving to 2-1-0 on the season. The Pride drop to 1-3-0
Chris Kelley (Lexington, N.C.) got the nod in goal for Guilford completing his first shutout as a Quaker with two saves among the two shots he faced improving to 2-1-0 in net. Cristian Del Cid fell to 1-3-0 for Greensboro, making four saves among the six Quaker shot attempts.
Saeed Saavedra (Mount Airy, N.C.) and
Dani Santos (Port St. Lucie, Fla.) were the goal scorers of the match, with
Riley Copeland (West End, N.C.) issuing an assist on the final goal of the game.
The Quakers took very little to make an impact. Saavedra opened up the scoring in the fifth minute off of a botched Greensboro possession in their own half. Saavedra applied pressure to the opposing defender receiving a free kick to flip the field, forcing him to lose the ball, creating an open run, leading to a one-on-one opportunity with the keeper and slotting it in with his weak foot into the center of the net, securing his first goal of the season and of his collegiate career.
What seemed to be a quiet couple of minutes post Saavedra's goal, Copeland was quick to make his presence known. A Guilford throw-in, deflected off of the Pride, led to a great run just inside of the box by Copeland, who showcased his best impression of joga bonita, as he juggled and flicked the ball over his opponent, creating an iso play with the keeper. Copeland took flight and attempted a beauty of a scissor kick, leaving the crowd in awe. Unfortunately, he saw his shot rejected by the right post.
In the 41st minute, the Armfield faithful held its collective breath as
Chase Lewis (Fayetteville, N.C.) showcased his defensive brilliance, intercepting Greensboro's pass. With the ball at his feet, the freshman surged down the left wing and executed a perfectly timed cross for fellow teammate
Landon Metzler, who connected with the ball, but was denied by the fingertips of the keeper.
The Quakers continued to exchange possession and a pair of fouls throughout the first half, amounting to 18 first half fouls and four yellow cards for the opposition. For, what is a derby without a little bit of rough play and passion.
The second half was everything we expected. Two rivals clashing in hopes of claiming who runs the 'Boro. Both sides shared possession through the second half, sharing many fouls, and amounting many shots on target. In the final ten minutes of the game, the Quakers continued to create beautiful build-up plays, allowing Santos to slip away on the left wing. The sophomore, known for his speed and precision of play, beat the defender and provided an alley-oop opportunity for Hercules, who put his laces through the ball but missed the frame.
With the clock approaching 90, and with the pressure building into the matches final minute, Guilford cleared the ball out of the 18' as Greensboro attempted to capitalize off the corner. Santos received the clearance and hit a through ball to Copeland, who was sitting on the left wing ready to attack. Sure enough, Copeland turned his opponent inside out and had a clear run on goal from midfield. As he approached the 18', chipping the keeper, who was way off his line. Del Cid got a glancing blow of the bid, forcing the ball close to the out of bounds line, but Copeland jetted in and kept the play alive with a fantastic header to the middle of the 6' creating an opportunity for none other than Santos at point-black range who sent the ball, as well as himself, into the net, securing the 2-0 victory.
A physical Derby for the Quakers but a busy night for the referees as their booklets were filled with 33 total fouls, 11 yellow cards, and one red card.
Guilford looks to extend their streak as they stay at home for their next contest as they face in-state foe Carolina University on Wednesday, September 11. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
#GoQuakes
