Men's Soccer | September 15, 2016
DUBUQUE, Iowa (Duhawks.com) - The Loras men's soccer team split its two-game weekend series in Duluth, Minn. last weekend, which included a win against St. Scholastica and a loss to St. Norbert. Senior
Jonah Jacke has picked up his offensive game as he has scored a goal in each of the last two matches for Loras.
MATCH PREVIEW
On Friday, the Duhawks will travel to Kenosha, Wis. and take on Carthage, who in 2015 advanced to the NCAA Tournament, claiming the CCIW automatic bid. The Red Men are off to a 4–2 start to their season after defeating Wabash 2–1 in the 2016 Midwest Classic.
KEEP UP WITH THE DUHAWKSÂ
You can follow Friday's match via Carthage's live stream (link) and live stats (link). Additionally, follow @LorasMWSoccer on Twitter for in-game updates from the Loras Athletic Communications staff.
LAST TIME OUT AGAINST THE RED MEN
Loras owns an all time record of 5–1 over Carthage. It was only a season ago when each side last met in the second round of the NCAA Tournament with Loras getting the upper hand 3–1. On that day, the Duhawks were paced by goals from
Richard Lenke, senior
Austin Jacobi and
Justin Giacotto with Jacobi tallying the game-winner in the 26th minute, pushing the Duhawks into the "Sweet 16" for the ninth time in program history.
RED MEN TO KEEP AN EYE ONÂ
Sophomores Zach Schoffstall and Kevin Mahoney have been lethal for the Red Men attack this season through six matches. Each player is tied for first in points with seven by having three goals and an assist registered. Mahoney scored his three goals in two matches for Carthage against Endicott and Gordon which earned him CCIW Offensive Player of the Week honors.
JACKE EXECUTING IN HIS ROLE
Senior
Jonah Jacke has been one of the most consistent players off the bench for Loras for the past three seasons, providing valuable minutes and scoring in crucial moments. The Green Bay, Wis. native has two goals in 2016 off the bench for the Duhawks. Knowing and accepting his role on the team is a sign of veteran leadership, which will pay dividends later in the season when head coach
Dan Rothert will be looking at players such as Jacke to be able to come in at critical moments and execute.
NEWCOMERS PRODUCING ON OFFENSE
Only four games into the season, Loras has benefited from six different goal scorers, led by senior
Alex Bradley's trio. Much like in seasons past, the Duhawks are proven to show diversity throughout their offensive attack, which has provided a platform for a variety of players a chance to score. Freshman
Liam O'Connell is a prime example, who has appeared in all four matches this season. The Libertyville, Ill. native has five shots on goal with one of them resulting in his first collegiate goal. O'Connell also has one assist so far this season for a total of three points.
BOUNCING BACK FROM FIRST LOSS
Loras was handed its first loss of the 2016 season last Sunday in Duluth, Minn. against St. Norbert. Despite the setback, the Duhawks have many takeaways that they can carry with them going forward. Loras racked up 16 shots with six being on goal, meaning despite the score, the Duhawks had many opportunities to score. The Purple & Gold average 7.5 shots on goal per game this season, compared to their opponents average of 4.0 per game. Looking ahead, a key to Loras' offense will be to target as many of their shots on goal, which in turn will naturally lead to more scoring chances.
FAST START FOR MOORE
Junior
Spencer Moore is making his presence felt this season having already eclipsed his assist total from his sophomore season, totaling four through the first four matches. Moore leads the Duhawks this season in assists and in his attacking midfield position, will continue to find himself in a position to deliver key passes leading to goals.
OLSON PROVING HIMSELF AS MEMBER OF THE STARTING XI
Senior
Kyler Olson is proving himself to a valuable piece for the Duhawks. As a forward on the right side, the Roscoe, Ill. native has two goals and one assist on the season. Three of Olson's four shots this season, which included one from the penalty spot. In his career, Olson has five goals and six assists, totaling 16 points. Prior to 2016, Olson's career best point total came as a sophomore when he registered two goals and two assists.
PETERSON REACHES 20-WIN MARK
With last Saturday's win against St. Scholastica, junior goalkeeper
Jacob Peterson reached the 20-win mark as a Duhawk. Since Peterson has joined the Purple & Gold, Loras has won 21–6–1. Peterson owns a 0.80 goals against average, making 92 saves for an average of 3.4 per game.