Men's Soccer Falls Short Against Hope International

Whittier College Men's Soccer took on their second straight NAIA Opponent in Hope International University at Graham Soccer Field on September 12.  The Poets were unable to pick up another win, however, falling 2-1 to the Royals.  Whittier picked up its first win of the season one game earlier, beating SOKA University 2-1.  They are now 1-2 on the season.

All of the scoring in the game happened in a five-minute stretch of the first half.  The Poets had plenty of opportunities, taking eight of their 13 shots in the first stanza.  Hope International had seven shots in the entire game.  It was a physical contest throughout, with the teams combining for 32 fouls, seven yellow cards and one red card.

The Royals opened the scoring in the 21^st minute on a goal from Franky Antonya.  Less than two minutes later they doubled their lead with a Perris Rowan goal.  The Poets would not go quietly, and bounced back with a goal from Tommy Barber '12 in the 25^th minute.  The score would remain 2-1 until the final whistle blew.

Michael Read '09 made three saves in goal for the Poets and his counterpart, Royals' Matt Fike made four saves.

The Poets are in action again on September 14, when they take on visiting Linfield College out of the Northwest Conference.  Kick-off at Graham Soccer Field is scheduled for 11:00am.