Lynn Men’s Soccer Takes Fight Out of Warriors

9/11/09

BOCA RATON, Fla. – An early goal set the pace for Lynn University’s men’s soccer team as it defeated Webber International 3-1 in the second game of the Embassy Suites Classic on Friday afternoon. Luke Magill and David Kunin netted their first goals of the season while Alessandro Salvatore made a career-high seven saves. The sixth-ranked Fighting Knights have now won 13 consecutive home openers and are 21-1-1 all-time in their first home game. Overall, LU improves to 5-0.



It didn’t take long for the Blue & White to slice through the Warriors defense (1-1). Just 5:41 into the match, Kyle Conrad and Gabe Taboada combined on precise passing from the left back line to the top of the box. Taboada instantly recognized the open space to the right post and slid a pass to Magill who on-timed his shot right of the diving keeper.



The two teams fought hard the next 39 minutes until Kunin took the wind out of Webber’s sails, scoring with 53 seconds remaining in the half. Jon Schatz stole a pass from a WIU defender and lofted a long ball from the left sideline into the right-hand side of the box. Kunin zipped by the Warrior defense and layed out for a diving header into the net.



Paulo Vaz closed out the Knights scoring in the 52nd minute of play. Creating havoc the entire match with his speed and technical ability, he beat his man inside for a one-on-one with the keeper but was tripped up from behind, giving Lynn a penalty kick. Vaz didn’t miss; nailing his second PK of the season and giving the sophomore forward six goals in total.



On the opposite end, Salvatore made save after save as Webber International sent a barrage of shots on goal. The junior keeper ended up with seven stops, including several diving plays that kept LU ahead. He was pulled in the 61st minute and swapped with Matt DiCerbo.



Webber’s only goal came at 81:12 when Miguel Otero saw his shot deflect off the Knights’ defense and spiral into the air. Manuel Martes got into position and headed home the loose ball for the score.



Lynn outshot Webber 18-12 while taking seven corner kicks to WIU’s three. Christian Brothers defeated Barry 2-1 in the first game of the Embassy Suites Classic.



The Fighting Knights return to action on Sunday, September 13, at noon when they square off against Christian Brothers. Barry follows with a match against Webber International at 3 p.m. Fans can follow the action live by logging on to www.lynn.edu/athletics and selecting the “live audio” and “live stats” links.