Grace Knocks off RV UNOH

LIMA, Ohio - Grace College's men's soccer team scored four goals in a win over the University of Northwestern Ohio on Wednesday afternoon.

The Lancers (1-4-2) broke the ice just three minutes into the game and added a trio of markers in the second half to secure the victory.

Grace was led in victory by two goals from Juan Garcia and a clean-sheet performance from Matteo Conci.

Grace wasted little time in finding goal, besting the UNOH keeper just over three minutes into the game. The goal came off a free kick opportunity from Nathan Van Keulan whose try from just outside the 18-yard box slipped through the goalies legs to give the Lancers the early advantage.

The next 10 minutes elapsed without either side threatening before the Racers had a shot on goal that was easily handled by Matteo Conci.

UNOH kept the pressure up and were awarded four corner kicks including back-to-back chances but Grace thwarted each of the Racers' chances and maintained the one-goal advantage.

The Lancers' offense was held quiet through the middle of the half, before Garcia and Joao Laranjo had consecutive chances for Grace.

Josh Cruz nearly doubled Grace's lead with 7:36 remaining in the half after a great run from midfield saw him blitz past UNOH's defense. Cruz's attempt to chip the ball past the Racers' keeper trailed just wide of net but seemed to spark the Lancers' offense late.

Just minutes later Daniel Santos Rosa played a long free kick into the box but Dan Allen's attempted head went high. Another free kick, this time from Garcia, was blasted on goal which forced a save to send the game to the halftime intermission with Grace leading 1-0.

At the half Grace held a 6-2 shot advantage and directed five shots on goal. UNOH held a 4-1 corner kick lead and fouled five times compared to Grace's four.

The second half started with Grace and UNOH exchanging shots but the score remained unchanged.

The Racers had a chance to level the game 20 minutes into the half, but their shot was blocked by a Lancer defender and shortly after Grace doubled the lead.

The Lancers had a point-blank opportunity denied by an illegal tackle in the box which saw the referee award Grace a penalty kick. Garcia was chosen to take the PK for Grace and he calmly slipped the ball past the keeper into the goal to give Grace the 2-0 advantage.


Eight minutes later it was the Racers who were on the receiving end of a PK opportunity, but Matteo Conci smothered the chance to keep his bid for his second clean sheet of the season alive.

As the clock ticked under seven minutes remaining Grace scored again. This time it was Daniel Santos Rosa who netted the goal after being on the receiving end of a pass from Sebastian Lozano.

Three minutes later it was Lozano setting up another goal as he fed Garcia for his second goal of the match.

The final moments passed without incident as Grace put the finishing touches on the 4-0 victory.

Conci made three saves in the shutout performance including a PK save. The Lancers held a 15-8 advantage on shots and a 10-3 advantage for shots on goal. UNOH had five corner kicks compared to Grace's three. Each team was whistled for 15 fouls but the Racers received four yellow cards while the Lancers one got one.

Grace will next be in action on Wednesday to kickoff Crossroads League play at home against Mt. Vernon.