MIDWAY, Ky. — The Midway University men's soccer team battled No. 9 Rio Grande through a scoreless opening half before the nationally ranked RedStorm scored twice in the second half to secure a 2-0 victory Saturday evening at Midway Turf Field.
The Eagles held Rio Grande off the scoreboard through the opening 45 minutes, but a pair of goals less than six minutes apart early in the second half proved to be the difference.
With the loss, Midway fell to 7-5-3 overall and 1-4-1 in River States Conference play, while Rio Grande improved to 11-1-1 overall.
Goalkeeper Landon Sorrell finished with six saves for the Eagles, all coming in the second half, as Midway faced 17 shots from the RedStorm.
First Half
Midway opened the contest with a strong defensive effort, keeping the nationally ranked RedStorm off the scoreboard despite Rio Grande controlling much of the possession.
The Eagles limited Rio Grande to just three shots in the opening 45 minutes, none of which were on target.
Midway generated four shots of its own in the first half, including the team's lone shot on goal.
Senior forward George Spencer led the offensive effort, accounting for three of the Eagles' four shots, while Miles Ezell added the other attempt.
Despite Rio Grande holding a 6-1 advantage in corner kicks during the opening period, Midway's defensive unit held firm to keep the contest scoreless entering halftime.
Second Half
Rio Grande wasted little time establishing momentum following the halftime break.
Just 2:47 into the second half, Matthew Donaldson broke the scoreless tie, finding the back of the net in the 48th minute off an assist from Hakim Musabbah.
The goal marked Donaldson's first of the season and gave the RedStorm a 1-0 advantage.
Less than six minutes later, Rio Grande doubled its lead.
In the 54th minute, Matthew Senior scored his third goal of the season off an assist from Riku Okimoto, extending the RedStorm's advantage to 2-0.
Midway's defense continued to battle throughout the remainder of the contest, with Sorrell recording six second-half saves to prevent Rio Grande from adding to its lead.
The RedStorm increased their offensive pressure after halftime, recording 14 shots in the final 45 minutes.
Midway was unable to generate a shot in the second half as Rio Grande maintained control of the contest and secured the two-goal victory.
Inside the Box Score
Sorrell led Midway defensively, finishing with six saves while playing all 90 minutes in goal.
Spencer accounted for three of the Eagles' four shots, including the team's only shot on goal. Ezell recorded Midway's other shot attempt.
Rio Grande finished with a 17-4 advantage in total shots and an 8-1 edge in shots on goal.
The RedStorm also held a 9-1 advantage in corner kicks, while Midway committed 11 fouls compared to seven for Rio Grande.
Donaldson and Senior each recorded a goal for the RedStorm, while Musabbah and Okimoto contributed one assist apiece.
Musabbah led Rio Grande with four shots, including two on goal, while Donaldson added two shots, both on target.
RedStorm goalkeeper Samy Hamou recorded one save to earn the shutout.
The loss marked the first time Midway had been held scoreless since its 1-0 defeat against Indiana University Columbus on Oct. 10.
Looking Ahead
Midway will return to action on Thursday, Oct. 29, when the Eagles host WVU Tech at Midway Turf Field for senior day.
Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. as the Eagles look to close out their River States Conference schedule with a victory.
About Midway University Athletics
Midway University competes in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), and its 29 athletic teams are part of the River States Conference, Mid-South Conference, Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association and USA Archery. For more information about Midway University Athletics, please visit www.gomidwayeagles.com or contact Tyler Beck at 859-846-5366.
