THE JUNGLE | MOBILE, Ala. - The University of Mobile Men's Soccer team celebrated Senior Day on Saturday, Oct. 19, hosting Point University (Ga.) for a conference match at the Jungle in the process. The Rams eventually cruised to a 6-0 victory over the Skyhawks, improving to a conference-best 8-1-0 in the SSAC. The overall record on the season improves to 13-2-1 following the win as Mobile sits just one conference victory away from the team's second-straight SSAC Men's Soccer Regular Season Championship.
Prior to kickoff on Saturday, three graduating seniors were celebrated for Senior Day as family and loved ones, coaches, and teammates joined in on celebrating those leaving the program at season's end. Those featured were Salia Carr, Matthew Morgan, and Ty Turner.
Match Highlights
Mobile managed a 2-0 lead through the first 45 minutes of play against Point, out-shooting the Skyhawks 14-0 at halftime. The Rams' first score came right at the seven minute mark as Joaquin Rivera shot a screamer past the Skyhawk goalkeeper. Ismael Castillo earned the assist following a perfect cross from outside the box. The early goal for Rivera is his first of the season.
Later, the Rams added on right before the halftime whistle with a goal in the 41st minute. Henrique Luro Mendes came up with his fifth goal of the season following a deflection off the post. Following the deflection, Mendes headed the ball in the net for the score. From there, the Rams took a 2-0 advantage to the break.
In the second half, Mobile's offense sparked starting in the 56th minute as Joseph McMahon tallied his 12th goal of the season following a great pass from Tristan Durflinger. Just 25 seconds later, reigning NAIA National Men's Soccer Player of the Week Emilio Cazares put the Rams up 4-0 with his team-leading 17th goal of the year, with McMahon being credited with the assist. Four minutes after that, McMahon netted his second goal of the match in the 60th minute as Mobile took a commanding 5-0 lead over Point. McMahon recorded two goals and one assist in the timespan of four minutes in the second half.
With a 5-0 lead, Mobile managed one more goal for good measure against the Skyhawks, coming in the 65th minute where Emilio Cazares notched his second goal of the game. Cazares has now scored nine goals in the last four matches, giving him 18 total on the season. That total places him seventh in program history in goals scored in a single season. From there, the match ended with the Rams claiming victory, 6-0.
Overall, Mobile tallied 26 shots in the match compared to Point's five. Three of the Skyhawks' shots were saved by senior Ty Turner, who earned the shutout win in net during the full 90-minute performance. All three graduating seniors for Mobile saw playing time against Point, with Salia Carr being awarded the start on the back line defensively and Matthew Morgan checking in the second half to play 30 minutes.
Big Regular Season Finale Ahead
The Rams will meet conference rival William Carey University (Miss.) in the regular season finale next on the schedule, coming on Thursday night, Oct. 24 at the Jungle. Thursday's match is expected to be a wild night as it features No. 3 Mobile and the 12th-ranked Crusaders. With a win, Mobile will claim the team's second consecutive SSAC Regular Season title and fourth in the last six seasons.
Start time is set for 7:30 p.m. CT and will be broadcasted live on UMSN.
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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.
