THE JUNGLE SOCCER COMPLEX, MOBILE, Ala. - After a tough 2-0 loss to No. 9 Keiser University (Fla.) to begin the 2023 season, the University of Mobile Men's Soccer team, who ranks No. 2 in the NAIA, responded well on Saturday morning, Aug. 26, defeating Southwestern Christian University (Okla.), 3-1. The Rams netted two first half goals against the Eagles, while connecting with an insurance goal late in the second half. Meanwhile, Southwestern Christian took seven shots in the full 90 minutes, with just two being on-goal.
The win for Mobile on Saturday moves to early season record back to .500 at 1-1-0.
Match Recap: Mobile Shakes Off Season Opening Loss
The Rams came out firing early against Southwestern Christian, recording the first goal of the match in under five minutes. Senior Zacharia Hasler tallied his first goal of the season in the fourth minute following a pass inside the box by Ivan Jolivet. Jolivet was credited with the assist following Hasler's goal. Southwestern Christian managed to respond quickly after, however, after Jason Hogan headed a perfect pass by teammate Andre Lopez past Mobile starting goalkeeper Ty Turner. With just under 18 minutes ticked off the clock, the match was tied, 1-1.
Later in the first half, Mobile's Henrique Luro Mendes just missed a header to put the Rams out front. Fortunately for the Rams, Mendes' shot ricocheted of the post to the foot of teammate Joseph McMahon who put Mobile back out front 2-1 in the 40th minute. From there, Mobile had a 2-1 advantage at halftime.
In the second half, Mobile tacked on an insurance goal in the 67th minute, with Zacharia Hasler netting goal number two on the day for the Vasteras, Sweden native. Lucas Ros earned the assist on Hasler's second goal. The Eagles had their chances, but were unable to push another goal past keeper Ty Turner in the second half as Turner ended his afternoon with one save and was credited with the win. Overall, the Rams outshot the opposition 17-7 on Saturday morning, and are currently outshooting opponents 38-10 through the first two matches of the season.
The only downfall to Mobile's victory on Saturday was newcomer Louis Dolcini receiving to yellow cards in the match, which is an automatic red card and ejection from the match. Dolcini's second yellow came in the 67th minute, just 30 seconds following the Rams' insurance goal. Despite playing a man down for the final 23 minutes, Mobile's defense held Southwestern Christian to just three shots in the second half. Dolcini will not be able to dress out in the Rams' next scheduled match following the ejection.
Week Off for Mobile
Following two matches in the span of three days to open the 2023 season, Mobile will take seven days to recover before returning to the pitch on Saturday, Sept. 2 against William Penn University (Iowa). Next Saturday's match is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. CT at the Jungle on the University of Mobile campus.
FOLLOW THE RAMS
For complete coverage of University of Mobile Athletics, follow the Rams on social media at /MobileRams (Facebook), @UMobileRams (Twitter), and @umobilerams (Instagram), or visit the official home of the University of Mobile Athletic Department at https://umobilerams.com/.
About the University of Mobile
The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered liberal arts and sciences institution with a vision of higher education for a higher purpose, founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions through rigorous academic preparation and spiritual transformation. Core values are: Christ-Centered, Academically-Focused, Student-Devoted and Distinctively-Driven. The university offers on-campus and online bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Founded in 1961, the University of Mobile is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention and is located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama on a campus of over 880 acres.
For information about the University of Mobile, areas of study, admissions and more, visit umobile.edu, connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.
