Quakers Comfortably Secure First Tally in Win Column Over Bluefield
Chris Hercules provides strong midfield presence as Quakers ride early advantage
from Angel Maldonado, Guilford College Athletic Communications Graduate Assistant
BLUEFIELD, W.V.– The Guilford College men’s soccer team traveled to the East River Soccer Complex on Wednesday evening, earning their first win of the season, 4-1, against Bluefield University.
The Quakers bounced back in their first completed road contest of the season moving to 1-1-0 on the season. The Rams drop to 1-1-0.
Chris Kelley (Lexington, N.C.) got the start in net for Guiford allowing one goal against three saves among the four total shots he faced, improving to 1-1-0 in net. Justus Repschlaeger fell to 1-1-0 for Bluefield but made nine saves among the whopping 19 Quaker shot attempts.
Blake Whittle (Winston-Salem, N.C), Angel Aragon (Winston-Salem, N.C.), Jake Carter (Madison, N.C,) and Chris Hercules (Greensboro, N.C.) all found the back of the net, with Hercules also earning two assists in the competition. Louis Baker added a tally for the Rams with teammate, Adam Gymnander, assisting on the play.
The Quakers started off with a promising opportunity in the third minute as Copeland applied immense pressure forcing a turnover in the final third of the field and providing a beautiful through-ball, creating a goal scoring opportunity for Saeed Saavedra (Mount Airy, N.C.) who skimmed the post on his shot attempt, creating great momentum for his teammates early on.
The breakthrough came in the 18th minute, thanks to Aragon. He dazzled with a solo effort, beating two defenders on the right wing. His initial shot was blocked by Bluefield’s keeper, Repschlaeger, but Aragon’s quick recovery and precise finish secured the first goal of the game. The assist was awarded from Hercules who had headed the ball off a clearance to set up the play.
Aragon continued to put pressure on BU’s defense, creating another opportunity with a header in the 22nd minute, though it was saved by Repschlaeger. Shortly following Aragon’s attempt, Hercules had a chance of his own, connecting with a through ball from Saavedra. His shot narrowly missed the top right corner, but Repschlaeger was again up to the task.
Guilford’s competitive advantage proceeded to grow as Enrique Santama received a yellow card in the 25th minute due to an aggressive play. The Quakers continued to maintain control, with sharp passing and aggressive play shaping their first-half performance.
The Quaker efforts amounted to another goal scoring opportunity by Whittle who’s great movement in the box created a header opportunity off a perfectly executed corner by Hercules. His redirect bid connected with the ball and slotted it past the goal line to secure his first collegiate goal.
GC’s first half just kept getting better in the 42nd minute. A great ball played by the defense fell inside the box where Carter showcased his muscles, fending the defender off of a quick turn towards the right post, and slotted an off-balanced shot past the keeper to put GC up by three entering the break.
Hercules continued to showcase why he is the midfield maestro, and his efforts were rewarded once again in the 63rd minute when Copeland provided a set-piece assist right outside the six-yard box. Hercules took advantage of the one-on-one opportunity with Repschlaeger, calmly slotting the ball into the bottom right corner to secure a four goal performance by the Quakers.
Completing his impactful evening, after being unavailable for the team’s season opener, Hercules received a pass from Dani Santos (Port St. Lucie, Fla.) Hercules executing an infamous “dummy” and confusing his opponent, creating space for a great run down the right wing. The sophomore crossed it into the middle creating a great opportunity for Saavedra who used one touch but hit it wide right.
Bluefield got their lone tally in the 88th minute with Baker scoring off a Gymander set up, bringing the final score to 4-1.
The Quakers look to build momentum as they head back home for their next match to face in-town foe, Greensboro College on Friday, September 6. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
#GoQuakes