Goals: No roster provided (7th minute and 41st minute-PK)
Shots on Goal: HC-6, WSU-13
Corner Kicks: HC-2, WSU-6
GK Saves: (HC) Ben Baker-10, (WSU)-6
Coach Nussbaum's Comments
Perhaps the best way to sum up a game in which you're facing a team that beat you 6-0 on your home field and pulled two club referees out of the stands prior to the game, was best stated by Oscar Mendoza. Standing in a group immediately following the match Oscar proudly commented, "it feels like we just won!" In response to that I'd say "any time you give the effort displayed in tonight's game, you do."
Trailing by two at halftime, the Larks posted their third second half shutout of the season. This on the heels of a first half that produced near misses by Ogi Marjonovic and Carlos Padilla. Carlos sizzled a left footed shot just over the crossbar midway through the opening frame and then Marjonovic went on a run of terror through the Shocker defense that led to a sliding, goal saving clearance off the WSU goal line by a defender. Padilla nearly connected again part way through the second half when a cross found him alone in front of the promised land. Unfortunately he was unable to corral the pass and redirect it into the cage.
Playing at perhaps their best level of the season were Oscar Mendoza and Pietro Ramelli who haunted the WSU midfield all night. Ben Baker also plugged the goal for the better part of the game and frustrated the Shocker attackers time and again. Chris Hignight and Chris Nachtigall provided ample cover in the defensive end making the best of their runs. Nachtigall produced one of the more decisive runs late in the game that led to much relief on the defensive end. Overall the team played with more energy and consistency of any game to date. The Larks head into the last regular season match hosting Rhema Bible College at home on Thursday the 19th. Rhema beat the Hesston side earlier this season by the slimmest of margins 1-0. Revenge can be sweet!