Last Wednesday the DePauw University men’s soccer team traveled to Franklin, Ind. to take on the Franklin College Grizzlies. The Tigers dominated play from the beginning and returned home with 4-0 win.
The game started with a goal from the top of the box from sophomore midfielder Justin Mitchell, assisted by senior midfielder E.J. Moore. Mitchell’s goal was his first of the season and the first of his collegiate career.
“It's feels good to get one under my belt, hopefully it leads to many more this season,” said Mitchell. “I love that I am able to contribute to such a talented team.”
It would only take six more minutes until the Tigers would add another tally to the scoreboard. Senior forward Julian Gonzalez scored his first of the night from ten yards out in the 19th-minute. Gonzalez would add his second of the night from the penalty spot during the 51st- minute. The brace puts Gonzalez at five goals on the season.
The fourth and final goal of the night would be scored by junior forward Keaton Voegerl. This was also his first of the year and his collegiate career. In addition to two DePauw players getting their first career goals, every player saw time on the pitch.
“We had a lot of guys contribute and show themselves well, which allowed us a deeper rotational option for Saturday,” said Head Coach Brad Hauter.
On Saturday, the Tigers faced the visiting Centre College who are currently ranked 22nd in the nation and are undefeated this season.
The game was all square at half, but it didn’t take long into the second half for Centre to take the lead.
“I thought we controlled play the first half,” said Hauter, “But then had a couple of unfocused moments and a couple of fluky moments that put us in an 0-2 hole in the first five minutes.”
The Tigers finally got on the scoresheet in the 63rd-minute after a foul inside the box left Moore with a penalty kick. He converted from the spot to score his first goal of the season.
“Against good teams you just can't switch off like that or else you pay the price,” said Moore, referencing the early goals by Centre. “I think our response to that was great, though, and we showed a lot of heart.”
Sophomore midfielder Parker James would snatch the equalizer inside the box from an assist by Gonzalez. The 82nd-minute goal was James’ first of the season.