VERONA, Wis. – The Edgewood University men's soccer team opened their NACC Regular Season Title defense hosting Lakeland University on Wednesday. The Eagles offensive came alive in the conference opener as they defeated the Muskies 5-0. Four different Eagles scored on Wednesday night, led the speed of Isaiah Stiebel.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- A free kick from Haris Sarajlija gave Edgewood University (1-3-2, 1-0-0 NACC) their first opportunity of the evening on Wednesday. Sarajlija's pass to Ryan Hardy was quickly sent into the left side of the box towards Isaiah Stiebel. Stiebel sent his first goal as an Eagle into the top right of the goal and past the Muskie goalkeeper for an early 1-0 lead.
- Just 18 minutes later, Arjun Kaushik joined Stiebel with his first goal in an Edgewood University uniform. Kaushik's goal came from a header in the box off a pass from Stiebel for a 2-0 Eagle advantage.
- Edgewood University led Lakeland University (6-2-0, 0-1-0 NACC) 2-0 at the break. The Eagles led the Muskies 10-6 in shots through the first 45 minutes. Ezra Wallace did well to hold down the Eagle defense with six saves in net in the first half.
- Connor Gage netted his second goal of the season in the 76th minute to give the Eagles a 3-0 advantage. Gage went one-on-one with a Muskie defender at the top of the box and flashed some left foot magic to find the top left corner of the net.
- Edgewood University went up 4-0 in the contest in the 81st minute, as Stiebel continued to impress. Stiebel cut down a long pass in the attacking zone before dribbling past a Muskie defender and roping his second goal of the night into the top left corner of the goal.
- Austin Mullen joined the scoring action with his first goal in an Eagle uniform just 29 seconds after Stiebel's second goal. A pass from Stiebel found Mullen's right foot for quick work in front of the Muskie goal for a 5-0 advantage with less than 20 minutes remaining.
- Griffin Meisterheim posted seven saves in net for the Eagles in the second half. The junior helped keep a clean sheet in the combined shut out for the Eagle goalkeeping staff.
TOP PERFORMERS
- Stiebel was a highlight reel on Wednesday evening, recording two goals and two assists.
- Gage, Kaushik, and Mullen each scored in the conference opener.
- Hardy and Sarajlija added assists for the Eagles.
- Wallace and Meisterheim combined for 13 saves and a shutout in net.
THE OPPOSITION
- Dunia Wangu led the Muskies attack with seven shots, three on target.
- Isai Gil and Woodlens Frederick each totaled three shots.
- Ali Faiad posted three saves in net for the Muskies.
BEYOND THE BOX SCORE
- Edgewood University has now opened conference play with a win in the last four seasons.
- Gage moves into sixth place in the Eagles career records books for points with 84. The junior also owns 33 career goals, which ties head coach Tim Bruner for sixth all-time.
- The Eagles now lead the all-time series vs the Muskies 31-11-9.
UP NEXT
- Edgewood University will host Aurora University on Saturday. Action is set for 4:30 p.m. from Edgewood University Field at Reddan Park.
