Lakeland College

Muskie Men Capture First Season Victory Over Maranatha

Athletics - posted on 9/23/2006

The men's soccer team (1-6) can finally breathe a sign of relief, having gained its first victory of the season in Saturday's game against Maranatha Baptist, 3-1, in Northern Athletics Conference play.

Not only did the Muskies win their first game, they also broke the scoring drought that has plagued them for the past three games as they showered the Crusaders with 15 shot attempts, 12 of which came in the first half.

"I was very happy to get that first win," said head coach Dave Madsen. "We did a good job executing what we have been working on for the last month and we were able to get a positive result. In the first half we just put an onslaught on Maranatha."

Sophomore Kevin Fitchett led the assault with two first half goals, while senior Scott Kress found the back of the net for his first goal of the season in the 39th minute. All three goals came off assists by freshman Ryan Malo.

"He's been working hard on everything in practice," Madsen said of Malo. "He was constantly dangerous down the right side and I'm glad he had a chance to get a few assists. Kevin was also doing a good job getting himself into the right spots in the box and Scotty put some good crosses in there."

Madsen was also pleased with the way his team worked together to lock in the win.

"I wasn't just happy that we were scoring goals, but with the way we were creating quality chances to score," he said. "The goals we ended up scoring were fairly easy goals because the guys were setting each other up, which is what we have been looking to do."

The win should also do wonders for team morale and provide a starting point to build off of as they face the heart of their conference schedule.

"It's nice when you get a few goals in because you can relax and play. They'll be more confident out there and they won't be second-guessing themselves."

The Muskies will be back in action on Wednesday, Sept. 27, against Milwaukee School of Engineering in Milwaukee for the last game on their non-conference schedule.

"They pose a good challenge," Madsen said of MSOE. "It'll be a different environment playing under the lights. It should be a good game to feel more comfortable and we'll have a chance to build off our confidence from today's game."

Game time for Wednesday is set for 7 p.m.

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