LAKE WALES, Fla. - On a warm Sunday afternoon at Warner University, the men’s soccer program got the signature win they were looking for to turn their season around facing conference newcomers Thomas University (Ga.). Coming into the match on a four game losing streak and facing the No. 14 team in the nation, the Royals needed a huge lift to get their first Sun Conference victory of the year.
Both teams opened up the game trying to establish a possession style passing game. Thomas looked to be the more dangerous team throughout the game, but Warner was the first to strike. A free kick with two minutes left in the first half gave the Royals the opportunity they needed to take the lead. Miguel Benito sent in a hard curling cross to the back post off of his favored left foot. The to receive the cross was none other than the Royals' leading scorer Diego De la Fuente to put it in with a powerful header.
Trailing 1-0 at the start of the second half the Nighthawks did not sit back and put repeated pressure on the Royals' defense. Several great saves from starting keeper Joseph LaSala kept Thomas off the scoreboard, and led Warner to their first clean sheet of the season. The latter parts of the game saw things get very chippy, as three Nighthawk players received yellow cards.
Thomas nearly doubled Warner’s shot total 19-10, but both sides managed the same amount of shots on goal with five apiece. Daniel Marrugo led the Royals in shots with three, one being on frame. Diego De la Fuente now has six goals on the season, with Miguel Benito recording the assist, his first. Joseph LaSala improved his record to 2-3, making five saves and recording his first shut-out of the year.
Warner’s schedule does not get any easier as they have several tough road matchups in the near future. All starting with Northwood University in West Palm Beach on Wednesday, October 3, beginning at 3 p.m.
Thomas University drops their record to 8-3 (3-1 TSC), while Warner improves to 3-5 (1-3 TSC).