THE JUNGLE | MOBILE, Ala. - The University of Mobile Men's Soccer team, ranked No. 7 in the latest NAIA Men's Soccer Top 25 Coaches' Poll, won its fifth-straight match on Saturday evening, Oct. 5, shutting out Thomas University (Ga.) 5-0 in conference action at the Jungle. Mobile improves to 9-1-1 overall on the year following Saturday's win, while remaining perfect in SSAC action at 5-0-0. Additionally, the victory is Mobile's seventh shutout of the 2024 season.
Offense Comes Up with Big Second Half
The Rams looked dominant against the Thomas Night Hawks on Saturday, recording nine total shots in the first half while holding the opposition to zero. However, Mobile only managed to find the net once in those nine attempts, with Joseph McMahon netting his team-best 11th goal of the season following a penalty kick. McMahon's goal came in the eighth minute, eventually being the only goal scored until halftime.
In the second half, Mobile's offense quickly put the Rams up 2-0 after a goal in the 52nd minute. Noah Miller came up with Mobile's second goal after a deflection off Thomas defenders found the sophomore's foot. From there, Miller dribbled his way towards the box and shot one past the Night Hawks' goalkeeper for the score. The goal is Miller's fourth of the season. Later, Emilio Cazares notched goal number nine on the year in the 63rd minute, putting Mobile up, 3-0. Adam Byzdra earned the assist on Cazares' goal as pressure began to mount on the Thomas players.
For good measure, the Rams added a pair of insurance goals late to take a commanding 5-0 lead over Thomas, with starting midfielder Samuel Mutiri picking up his first goal of the season in the 75th minute. Mutiri's goal came after a perfect cross pass from Philmour Virgo, who earned the assist. Finally, Nathaniel Larkin collected his second goal of the season following a corner kick from Noah Miller. Miller earned the assist on Larkin's second goal in the last three matches.
Thomas did manage to take 10 shots in the back half of the match, but only two shots were on target and were both saved by Mobile keeper Ty Turner. Meanwhile, Mobile finished with 24 shots in the shutout win, with 14 being recorded on goal.
Monday Rescheduled Match Up Next
Mobile has a quick turnaround as the Rams are set to host a midday match on Monday, Oct. 7. Monday's match at the Jungle is a rescheduled match from earlier in the year as Florida National University makes its way to Mobile, Ala. for a non-conference meeting. Kickoff is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. CT on Monday.
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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.
