ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - The Eckerd men's soccer team surged in the second half thanks to a pair of early goals by Fredrik Heise and Tommy Shepherd on the way to a 2-0 season-opening victory over Delta State (Miss.) at Johnson Field Saturday night.
The teams played even in the opening half, with five shots on goal. Eckerd's best opportunity was in the 30th minute as Luciano Rodriguez broke away on a counterattack, but his shot was turned back. Meanwhile, Aidan Leak turned back five shots in goal, including a diving kick save in the 35th minute.
Eckerd came out aggressive in the second half, with a goal just two minutes in. Rodriguez broke free from his defender near midfield in the 47th minute. He then slid a pass to Heise, who buried the shot in the top left corner. Just 10 minutes later, EC struck again with their second goal. After a foul at the center of the 18, Shepherd hooked the free kick inside the left post. The Statesmen only had one shot on frame in the half, which Leak turned back in the 66th minute.
HOW IT ENDED
FINAL: Eckerd 2, Delta State 0
RECORDS: Eckerd 1-0, Delta State 0-1
SCORING SUMMARY: EC- 48' Heise (Luciano Rodriguez), 58' Shepherd (unassisted)
NOTES AND NUMBERS
- Heise's goal was the fifth of his career.
- Shepherd's goal was the 15th of his career, moving him into a tie for 15th in the career records.
- Eckerd held a 14-9 advantage in shots and a 10-6 favor in shots on goal.
- Leak posted a career-high six saves in goal.
- Aidan Leak, Micah Nelson, Viktor Milton, and Tommy Lamb played the full 90 minutes.
UP NEXT
Eckerd returns to Johnson Field on Monday, hosting Mississippi College at 1:00 PM.
