THAQI NETS GAME-WINNER TO LIFT ONU PAST LOURDES IN SEASON OPENER
| Final | 1 | 2 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Lourdes (0-1-0) | 0 | 1 | 1 |
|
Olivet Nazarene (IL) (1-0-0) | 1 | 1 | 2 |
BOURBONNAIS, Ill. – The Olivet Nazarene University men's soccer team secured a 2-1 victory over Lourdes on Saturday at the Bahr Soccer Facility in their season opener. The Tigers took an early lead with a goal in the first half and added another off the foot of Atjon Thaqi late in the second half to secure the victory.
The first half saw the Tigers take the lead with a goal by Josh Dennis in the 19th minute, marking the first goal of the match. Azzam was active on the field, recording multiple shot attempts, including one early on that required a save from the Lourdes goalkeeper. Dye contributed defensively with crucial saves, notably stopping a shot from Taleb near the end of the half to maintain the Tigers' 1-0 advantage.
Despite playing down a man for the majority of the second half due to a red card issued to Rexha in the 55th minute, the Tigers maintained their composure. Thaqi eventually netted the decisive goal in the 80th minute to secure a 2-1 lead while down a man. Schmidli continued to seek opportunities on goal, while solid defensive efforts and strategic corner kicks by Thaqi helped maintain the advantage until the final whistle.
Thaqi played a crucial role for the Tigers by scoring the game-winning goal, which was his only shot on goal of the match. Azzam was active offensively, leading the team with five shots, four of which were on target. Dennis contributed to the scoreline with one goal from his two shots, both of which were on target. Dye, the goalkeeper, helped secure the win by recording two saves while allowing just one goal.
With the win, the Tigers improved to 1-0-0. They will stay home to face Mount Vernon Nazarene next Saturday in Bourbonnais, Ill.
--ONU—
*Contact: Evan Wild, Sports Information Director, ewwild@olivet.edu
