New College of Florida Men's Soccer moved into second place in The Sun Conference standings Saturday with a 3-2 road victory over Webber International.
The Mighty Banyans (3-3-4, 1-0-2 SUN) remained unbeaten through their opening three conference matches and increased their total to five points. Jaden Williams recorded his first goal as a Mighty Banyan and added an assist, while Ducamel Jeannestin scored his fifth goal of the season and Peter Simmons netted his first of the year.
Cameron Johnson and Lawrence Walsh also recorded assists, while Henrique Furlan made three saves to help NCF secure its first conference victory of the season.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Webber generated the first two shots on goal, but Furlan stopped both attempts to keep the match scoreless.
NCF opened the scoring at the 19:24 mark. Johnson created the opportunity for Williams, who finished for his first career goal as a Mighty Banyan and gave NCF a 1-0 advantage. The assist increased Johnson's season total to four.
The Warriors responded less than three minutes later when Rodnny Gonzalez scored to even the match at 1-1.
NCF reclaimed the lead in the 33rd minute. Walsh found Jeannestin, who converted the opportunity for his fifth goal of the season and sent the Mighty Banyans into halftime ahead 2-1.
The Mighty Banyans extended their lead just 2:39 into the second half. Williams set up Simmons, who scored his first goal of the season to give NCF a 3-1 advantage.
NCF continued to threaten following the goal. Micah Nelson hit the post in the 49th minute, Cuba Soerensen placed an attempt on target in the 59th and Johnson struck the crossbar in the 84th.
Webber pulled within one in the 75th minute when Vitalis Takawira Jr. scored off an assist from Norbey Rincon Miranda.
The Warriors earned three corner kicks during the closing minutes, but NCF's defense protected the one-goal advantage through the final whistle.
THE TURNING POINT
Williams contributed to both goals that separated NCF from Webber.
After scoring the opening goal, Williams assisted Simmons at the 47:39 mark to give the Mighty Banyans a 3-1 advantage.
Simmons' first goal of the season proved to be the game-winner after Webber cut the lead to one in the 75th minute.
BY THE NUMBERS
5
Conference points earned by NCF and goals scored by Jeannestin this season.
3
Different Mighty Banyans who recorded an assist in the victory.
10
Shots taken by NCF, compared with seven for Webber.
47:39
Time of Simmons' first goal of the season and the eventual game-winner.
90
Minutes played by Furlan, Williams, Johnson and Theo Weber.
STAT LEADERS
Goals: Jaden Williams - 1; Ducamel Jeannestin - 1; Peter Simmons - 1
Assists: Jaden Williams - 1; Cameron Johnson - 1; Lawrence Walsh - 1
Shots: Micah Nelson - 3; Cameron Johnson - 2; Jaden Williams - 1; Cuba Soerensen - 1; Ducamel Jeannestin - 1; Angel Frias - 1; Peter Simmons - 1
Shots on Goal: Jaden Williams - 1; Cuba Soerensen - 1; Ducamel Jeannestin - 1; Angel Frias - 1; Peter Simmons - 1
Goalkeeper: Henrique Furlan - 90 minutes, 2 goals allowed, 3 saves
UP NEXT: NCF will continue Sun Conference play next Saturday with a 7 p.m. road match against SCAD.
