(Story Courtesy of Trinity University Sports Information Department)
SAN ANTONIO, Texas - Trinity's fifth-ranked men's soccer team opened up the NCAA Playoffs with a 3-0 shutout win over Chapman (CA) University in the first round on Saturday evening. PHOTOS
GAME SUMMARY
Trinity and Chapman combined for 19 shots in the first half of action, but the only goal came in the 30th minute to give the Tigers a 1-0 lead.
The Tigers had three on-target shots over a span of just over eight minutes early in the half, but the game remained scoreless.
The scoring play began as Austin Michaelis drove down the right side of the field and sent a cross in front of the Chapman goal. Jacob Hallenberger drove home the eventual game-winner on the Michaelis assist.
Tiger goalkeeper Blake Lieberman recorded his third save of the first half with just over three minutes left to keep Trinity in front.
Trinity had a shot to add another goal just before the half, earning a penalty kick with just over 90 seconds to go. The PK was saved by Chapman, though, and the game was 1-0 at the half.
After halftime, Trinity led 11-5 in overall shots as well as connecting on four shots on goal, and holding Chapman without an on-target attempt.
In the 69th minute of the game, Hallenberger lofted his corner in front of the goal to find Brady Johnston, who flicked the ball over to Michaelis for the goal that put Trinity ahead 2-0.
Trinity got another penalty kick with just under 10 minutes to play, but this time the Tigers converted to add an insurance goal and take a 3-0 lead. Trinity nearly made it a 4-0 game less than three minutes later, but Philip Duenez powered his shot off the cross bar and it remained a three-goal lead.
Chapman was held to just three shots over the final 25-plus minutes of the game.
NOTABLES
Trinity improved to 16-1-3 with its ninth shutout of the season, while Chapman completed its season at 11-8-1.
Jacob Hallenberger scored his seventh goal of the season, and posted his team-leading 10th assist.
Austin Michaelis now has 12 goals in his column this year, and 43 in his career. Michaelis stands in seventh place in Trinity's career goals category.
Vetle Masvaer Halle has recorded four goals this year.
Blake Lieberman made three saves in the game, and has 53 to his credit this season.
UP NEXT
Trinity will take on the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (TX) in the second round of the postseason tournament on Sunday night at 7:00 p.m. UMHB defeated Southwestern (TX) University 2-0 to advance to face the Tigers.
