Skip To Main Content
Skip To Main Content

Christian Brothers University Athletics

MSOC24 Blanche
Pastor Arkoh, Photographer
0
Lee LEE (3-6-6, 2-3-4)
1
Winner Christian Brothers CBU (8-3-3, 4-1-3)
Lee LEE
(3-6-6, 2-3-4)
0
Final
1
Christian Brothers CBU
(8-3-3, 4-1-3)
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
Lee LEE 0 0 0
Christian Brothers CBU 0 1 1

Game Recap: Men's Soccer | | James Garcia, Assistant Director of Athletics for Communications

CBU finds a late winner in closely-contested match with Lee

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Christian Brothers University men's soccer (8-3-3, 4-1-3 GSC) secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Lee University (3-6-6, 2-3-4 GSC) in a match characterized by tenacious defense and critical goalkeeping. The three points picked up by the Bucs on Friday night under the lights of Signaigo Field clinched home field advantage in the quarterfinals of the GSC Championship. CBU will go into the final game of the regular season one point behind league-leading West Florida.

First Half

The game opened with a display of defensive strength and physicality, as both teams struggled to establish an offensive rhythm. Early fouls on both sides indicated the intensity of the match, with CBU's Vincenzo Giordano committing the first foul just seconds in, setting a physical tone that would carry through the game. Lee managed to create several scoring opportunities in the first half, tallying 7 shots to CBU's 6. Notable among these was a close attempt by Lee's Marc Ehmann, whose shot was skillfully saved by CBU's goalkeeper, Vicent Sanchis Olmedo, in the fourth minute. Sanchis Olmedo's four saves in the first half proved crucial in maintaining the deadlock, denying Lee any early advantage.

Offensively, CBU's Alexander Blanche tested Lee's defenses with multiple shots, coming close but ultimately falling short in the first period. CBU struggled to capitalize on set pieces, including a corner kick in the 26th minute, which failed to convert into a scoring opportunity. The half ended 0-0, with neither team finding a breakthrough despite CBU's slight edge in possession and better shot quality.

Second Half

The second half continued in the same vein, with both teams committed to defense and precise goalkeeping. Sanchis Olmedo continued his stellar performance, adding two more saves to his tally and deflecting critical shots from Lee's attacking line. Fouls remained frequent, with CBU and Lee players both receiving yellow cards to underscore the game's high stakes and physicality.

Despite Lee's continued pressure, CBU's defense held firm, limiting Lee's shots on goal to attempts that Sanchis Olmedo handled adeptly. Lee's Ryan Chouyouti and Marc Ehmann led their team's offense with frequent shots, but none found their way past Sanchis Olmedo, who remained a solid barrier.

The Breakthrough

The game's decisive moment came in the 80th minute. CBU's Alexander Blanche, who had been a persistent threat throughout the match, finally broke the stalemate. Blanche's goal, assisted indirectly through a defensive lapse by Lee, put CBU ahead 1-0. The goal was Blanche's fifth of the season, emphasizing his importance to CBU's offensive strategy. This crucial strike energized the home team, while Lee scrambled to equalize in the remaining ten minutes.

Final Minutes and Closing Defense

Lee pushed forward aggressively after Blanche's goal, with players like Will Tidwell testing Sanchis Olmedo with shots aimed at the bottom center of the goal. However, Sanchis Olmedo's performance remained unbreakable as he continued to deflect shots and direct his defenders. A final corner kick from CBU in the 89th minute kept the pressure on Lee, effectively sealing their fate as the clock wound down.

Key Takeaways

CBU's defensive discipline, combined with Sanchis Olmedo's six-save performance, proved decisive in a match where offensive chances were limited. He recorded his fifth clean sheet of the season by completing the shutout. Blanche's late goal capitalized on a brief lapse from Lee and made the difference in an otherwise evenly-contested match. The Bucs proved that they can find ways to win in tight matches and gained an unshakable confidence heading into the most crucial part of the campaign.
 
Print Friendly Version