The University of Redlands men's soccer team returned home on Tuesday morning to take on Carthage College (WI) in the final exhibition match of the preseason. Three second-half goals and stingy defense helped the Bulldogs to a 3-0 victory over the Red Men.
After a scoreless first half, both teams went into halftime to make adjustments. The Bulldogs made the necessary changes, which yielded several solid opportunities. In the 67th minute, senior defender Nick DeQuiroz (San Jose, CA) unleashed a beautiful pass all the way from the sideline to the far side of the goal. First-year midfielder Avery Jacobson (Seattle, WA) saw the opportunity and lept above the defense for the impressive header to the center of the net for the Bulldogs' 1-0 advantage.
The Maroon and Gray's next goal came late in the second half on a penalty kick from junior forward Antony Chonga (San Diego, CA). After sizing up the Carthage goalie, he launched a shot right past the keeper to increase the home team's lead to 2-0.
Just a few minutes later, the Bulldogs were awarded a free kick on the right side of the field. After the ball hit several feet in traffic, first-year forward Steve Acuna (Pico Rivera, CA) emerged with the ball to put the Red Men away with the Bulldogs' third goal of the match.
Redlands begins the regular season on the road against Vanguard University on Friday, August 31, at 4 p.m. in Costa Mesa.