The men’s soccer team beat Lindenwood University 3-1 at Truman Bulldog Park, officially ending its season last Sunday.
Forward and midfielder Matt Yankowitz scored on a penalty shot in the 26th minute of the first half. Shortly after, the Lions tried to score on the Bulldogs but were not successful, as goalkeeper Julian Echeverri stopped the shot. The first half ended with Truman State University up 1-0.
Six minutes into the second half Lindenwood came back and tied the score 1-1. Forward Jeff Masters scored a goal in the 62nd minute, putting Truman back in the lead 2-1. The Bulldogs got their third goal when midfielder Andrew Brennan’s cross bounced off the foot of a Lion’s player, resulting in the ball going into the Lion’s net and making the score 3-1.
“The game went well,” Yankowitz said. “We won 3-1 against a good Lindenwood. Two seniors scored on the last game. I got my 20th college goal so that was cool.”
Truman had 13 shots in total and six shots on goal for the whole game. The team also completed the game with 22 fouls and four saves. Head coach Duke Cochran said he thinks the Lions weren’t playing their best at the time and the Bulldogs took advantage by staying on them and attacking really well.
Cochran said despite Lindenwood scoring, the game showed that Lindenwood was having a tough day and the Bulldogs were having a good one.
At the game, the Bulldogs honored seniors Jake Koenig, Zach Vahlkamp, Mateo Montano, Masters and Yankowitz.
“I made some good friendships with a lot of good guys,” Yankowitz said about his time playing for the Bulldogs. “I wish more results would have been better, but ultimately the people I met made it worthwhile. It’s sad to leave the team because it’s been all I have known since being a college student and I’m going to miss it.”
Overall, the soccer team’s record was 7-8-2 for this season. The team won its last two home games at Truman, but it did not make the Great Lakes Valley Conference this year.
“I’d say for the most part we ended the season really well,” Koenig said. “We started the season well, with a 4-1 record, and then a few key injuries really did a toll on our team’s playing style and morale. Unfortunately, it burdened us enough to keep us out of postseason, however, we ended the season on a high note with two comfortable wins and hopefully that sets the tone moving forward for the guys returning in the spring and next fall.”
Cochran said he thinks the team’s season ended on a high note with its two wins at home and beating a team that will be in the GLVC.
“Obviously, we always want to be .500 or above and make the conference tournament, but given the circumstances during the year, I think we did very well,” Cochran said.
For next season, Cochran said he wants to add to the talent that the young roster already has and continue in the direction the team has been heading.