Box Score Jackson, MS – It was first victory against Belhaven in 26 years and the second win over the Blazers in school history, but the Millsaps men's soccer team won tonight against their local rival 3-2.
History set aside, the Majors rebounded after a tough loss to Emory last Sunday. The 3-2 win improves the Majors to 7-2 and also marks the last out-of-conference game for the season.
"A massive character win tonight for the guys, especially with the tough loss on Sunday," Head Men's Soccer Coach Steve Voltz said. "After giving up a couple of goals we never quit, I'm extremely proud of everybody's effort."
The Majors scored the first two goals of the contest in the first half. Just over nine minutes into play, Alex Bourland scored on a beautiful string of passes from Matt Crooker and Jan Bergk. Bourland's early goal gave the Majors a 1-0 lead and a great deal of momentum to start the game.
Senior Nico Roth scored twenty minutes later running on to a long ball from junior goalkeeper Jonathan Huebbe. Roth's first half goal marked his sixth of the season and gave the Majors a 2-0-halftime lead.
The Blazers, however, would answer, as freshman John Dunbar scored on a pass from senior Cillian Thompson. Dunbar's goal occurred just eight minutes into the second half of play, as the Blazers continued their offensive pressure.
Cilian Thompson placed his name on the stat sheet again, only this time it was for a game-tying goal. Thompson's goal was scored just three minutes after Belhaven's first score on a pass from senior John Ledbetter.
With the score tied 2-2; the Majors began the tough challenge to reclaim the lead. Four minutes following Belhaven's game tying goal, Nico Roth created an open passing lane to junior Taylor Hayes.
Hayes launched Roth's pass into the back of the net, giving the Majors the lead yet again. The Majors defense held strong for the next thirty minutes by not allowing another Belhaven score, thus leaving Millsaps the victor.
The eventual game-winning goal by Hayes completed an extremely tough (both physically and emotionally) evening for the Majors.
"Tonight was a huge test for us both physically and in our character to respond," Coach Voltz said. "Belhaven is a very good team, we're happy to get this win especially with conference play ahead for the rest of the year."
The Majors will look to use tonight's momentum moving forward, as they begin a series of three road games starting this weekend.
"Tonight was a good college game between two solid teams," Coach Voltz said. "Proud of the guys, but now we need to rest, heal-up and get ready for another tough game this weekend at Hendrix."
Tonight's win improves the Majors to 7-2, as they travel to Conway, Arkansas for their next game.
Game time is set for a 3:00 pm start this Saturday, Oct. 3rd against SAA opponent Hendrix College.
