GREENSBORO, N.C. - The Guilford College men's soccer team (1-3-2, 0-0-0 ODAC) picked up its first win of the season Tuesday afternoon, defeating Mary Baldwin University (3-3-1, 0-0-0 USA South) by a 1-0 final at Appenzeller Field. The victory marked the first career win for Head Coach Sean Reilly in his first season at the helm of the Quakers.
Guilford controlled the match offensively, outshooting Mary Baldwin, 20-0, while putting nine shots on goal compared to zero for the Fighting Squirrels. The Quakers also held a 7-0 advantage in corner kicks, while both teams committed 12 fouls. Xavier Porter (Belmont, N.C.) recorded the shutout in goal without having to make a save.
Rafa Albesa Boix (Barcelona, Spain) led the Quakers with two shots, including the game-winning goal, while Isaac Garbia (Copenhagen, Denmark) and Jaykob Garbia (Copenhagen, Denmark) each recorded three shots on goal, while Sebastian Urges (Charlotte, N.C.) added two shots, one on goal. David Mestre (Barcelona, Spain) picked up an assist on the game-winner.
Guilford came out aggressive in the opening half, consistently keeping possession in the attacking half and limiting Mary Baldwin's opportunities. The Quakers recorded 10 shots in the opening half while the Fighting Squirrels were held without a shot. Guilford's pressure continued throughout the half, but Mary Baldwin's defense kept the match scoreless heading into the break. Late in the half, Mary Baldwin received a red card, giving the Quakers a man-up advantage for the remainder of the match.
With the numerical advantage, Guilford continued to control the pace and put pressure on the Mary Baldwin defense. The Quakers moved the ball effectively and created several opportunities before finally breaking through in the 78th minute. Mestre helped create the game-winning play, sending the ball forward out of a clear before Albesa Boix finished with a right-footed redirect into the bottom-left corner to give Guilford the 1-0 lead. The Quakers maintained control through the final minutes to secure the shutout and Reilly's first career victory at Guilford.
The Quakers travel to High Point for an exhibition match against the Panthers on Friday, September 25 before opening conference play at home on Saturday, September 26 when they play Hampden-Sydney College at home. The first kick is scheduled for 12:00 PM.
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