The Basics

Score: Evangel 4, Ecclesia 0 | Box Score

Record: Evangel (2-14-1)

Location: Springfield, Mo. (Coryell Field)

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Evangel Men's Soccer hosted Ecclesia College on Monday, looking to grab a win in their final regular season matchup of the 2022 season. A strong offensive showing accompanied by excellent defense led the Valor to a 4-0 victory over the Royals, ending the season on a high note.

Evangel's Sage Ballard kicked off the game with a pair of chances at a goal, both that ended wide right of the mark. At the 8:23 mark of the game, Ballard finally found the back of the net on a nice header, assisted by a Rem Harmsworth pass, giving the Valor a 1-0 lead. The Valor continued to get excellent shot opportunities in the first half, but solid defense by the Royals goalie kept Evangel from scoring for a short period of time. The Valor found their second goal of the afternoon when an Ecclesia player fouled in the box, setting up a Leonardo Borges penalty kick. Borges nailed the shot in the right corner of the goal, putting Evangel up 2-0 at halftime.

Both teams traded shots to kick off the second half of play, but neither team could add to the scoreboard. At the 66:28 mark, Andrew Flippin used an excellent breakaway from the defense and put a pass right at the feet of Harmsworth, who nailed a goal, giving the Valor a 3-0 lead with just 24 minutes remaining. The Valor kept their strong defensive pressure up and on an interception, Ballard moved the ball up the field and found Harmsworth for his second goal of the day, solidifying the 4-0 victory for Evangel.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Evangel outshot Ecclesia 24-11.

• Harmsworth recorded his first and second goals of the year in the win.

• Anthony Morales recorded six saves in goal.

• Borges recorded his first goal of the season in the win and Ballard scored his second in the first period.

QUOTABLE

"I'm so proud of how the men finished. We have fought through so many injuries, missed opportunities, and bad bounces and never gave up," Men's Soccer Head Coach Kyle Beard stated. "The team we played today has already qualified for the NCCAA national tournament. They are a good team. We didn't let that stop us from playing to our full potential. I am really excited about the future with all these guys returning. We are forever grateful for the seniors that finished with us until the end."

For the latest information on Evangel Athletics, visit Facebook at Facebook.com/EvangelValor, Twitter (@EvangelValor), or EvangelAthletics.com. Fans can also receive updates on their favorite EU teams by downloading the Evangel Athletics Gameday App through the App Store or Google Play.  

—#OneValor—