Mac kickers valiant in losses

by STEVE SELL, Sentinel Sports Editor

McPherson College's men's soccer team played its best soccer of the year against its best opponent of the year here Thursday.

The result was a 3-1 loss to Concordia College of Nebraska, but it certainly gave Bulldog coach Doug Quint optimism for when conference play swings into full session.

"This was by far the best soccer we have played all year from start to finish," he said. "The score didn't reflect how well we played as a whole. We took a big step forward tonight in terms of getting things where they need to be."

Quint said Concordia was the most organized and best executing team the Bulldogs have faced this year.

The Bulldogs stunned Concordia early, as Brett Livadauis sent a long pass to Austin Bray, who deposited in the goal for a 1-0 lead. Mac goalie Kevin Lamm just moments earlier had turned back Concordia with two spectacular saves, though he suffered what could be a cracked rib in the process. He made another terrific save before the half was over, but did not return in the second half. Concordia did score in the half, as it ended 1-1.

Lamm's absence was noted early on, as the Nebraskans scored 28 second into the second half. Concordia scored another goal in the half for the final margin, but not before the Bulldogs had some good chances to score to cut the lead.

"This Concordia team took our conference favorite into double overtime and lost in the closing minutes," Quint said.

Concordia had only a 7-4 advantage in shots and Lamm had 3 saves.

Mac, 1-6, is home Saturday to take on Mid-America Nazarene.