Men's Soccer Defeats Rhodes, 2-0; Picks Up Win No. 500
BOX | PHOTO GALLERY
St. Louis, Mo., September 12, 2010 – The Washington University in St. Louis men’s soccer team won the 500th game in program history thanks to a 2-0 victory over Rhodes College on Sunday, Sept. 12, at Francis Field in St. Louis, Mo. Additionally, the Red and Green ran their 2010 record to 4-0-1.
In 50 season of men’s soccer on the Danforth Campus, Washington University has posted an overall record of 500-241-79, for a winning percentage of .658. Now in his 14th season at the helm of the Washington U. men’s soccer program, head coach Joe Clarke improves to 152-74-27.
Washington University freshman Michael Flowers got the scoring started on Sunday a little over halfway through the opening period. Senior defender Harry Beddo began the play beyond midfield, where he controlled the ball and moved past a number of Rhodes defenders, eventually advancing over midfield.
With Flowers flanking him on the left side, Beddo led him down the field with a soft pass that he easily handled as he advanced deeper into Rhodes territory. With junior Patrick McLean in the middle of the Rhodes box, Flowers sent what appeared to be a long crossing pass toward the net, but the ball sailed into the far upper right corner of the net for a score, his first as a Bear.
Beddo was credited with an assist on the play, his team-leading third of 2010.
The Bears’ other score was also a first of the year, with sophomore Kenji Kobayashi making the lead 2-0, just over 12 minutes later. Freshman Nik Patel started the play by moving the ball into the left corner of the Rhodes zone. With plenty of space for a pass, Patel sent a beautiful cross into the box, that Kobayashi headed home to put Washington University firmly in control of the game. The assist was the first of the year for Patel.
Washington U. controlled play for much of the game against Rhodes, outshooting the Lynx 13-4, and firing six shots on goal, compared to just three for Rhodes.
Senior Andrew Serio started the game in goal for the Bears, and picked up his third win of the year, improving to 3-0-1. Freshman Jonathan Jebson entered the game at halftime, as he has done in all five games so far this year, turning away a pair of Rhodes shots in 45 minutes of action.
Washington U. (4-0-1) returns to action on Wednesday, Sept. 15, when it heads to Bloomington, Ill., to take on Illinois Wesleyan University. Game time is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.