Warriors Thrive in KCAC Opener over Swedes

Sterling, Kan. – The Warrior men's soccer team got off to a hot start in this year's KCAC season. Sterling played Bethany College Wednesday afternoon and won the match running away. Sterling came away with a 4-1 victory and a lot of momentum heading into their next contest.

There was a lot of midfield play early. Both teams attempted to gain an advantage offensively but were called for several offside penalties. Sterling took advantage of an opportunity for the first time on a free kick 10 yards outside the box on the left side of the field. Mateus Lara took the kick and crossed it in front of the goal. Angel Jimenez-Cortez passed the ball off his chest and placed it perfectly in front of Cameron Sinclair who fired the ball into the net. Sterling took a 1-0 lead, one they would never relinquish. Sterling scored just forty seconds later when Ruben Guzman sent a pass through the middle of the Swede defense and found Matt Dale on the other side. Dale converted and just like that, the Warriors had a 2-0 lead. Both goals happened in the 39'. Sterling held that lead until halftime.

Bethany scored first in the second half, scoring their first and only goal in the 54'. Sterling tacked on two more security goals in the 74', by Mateus Lara, and in the 78', another goal by Matt Dale. The Warriors continued to play offensively as they began to sub late in the game. The final score was 4-1 Warriors when the second half horn sounded.

Dale led Sterling with two goals and Lara finished with a goal and assist for the Warriors. Dale's goals were his 6^th and 7^th of the season. He currently leads the Warriors in goals scored. The goal by Sinclair was his first of the season and first of his Sterling career. Marcelo Fuentes played all 90 minutes in the goal and gave up one goal and had 2 saves.

The Warriors travel to Leavenworth, Kan. on Saturday evening to take on the University of Saint Mary Spires. Game time is scheduled for 8 pm.

Be sure to check for news and updates on Sterling Warrior Athletics on Facebook (/SCWarriors), Twitter (@SterlingCSports), and Instagram (sterlingcsports), as well as the hashtag #SwordsUp. Watch the Warriors' live home events on the Sterling College Sports Network.