SHEPHERDSTOWN, W.Va. - After a loss to Mercy on Wednesday, the Millersville men's soccer team was determined to get back in the win column with a win at Shepherd, and the Marauders did just that. The offensive trio of Roy Parkyn, Richy Valverde, and Josh Rodriguez found the back of the net in leading Millersville to a 3-0 victory.
During the 16th minute of play, Bob Hennessey gained possession in the box, fired a shot that deflected off a Shepherd defender and the foot of Roy Park who finished the play with a low shot towards the near post, just beyond the reach of Shepherd goalkeeper Christian Blazes for a 1-0 lead going into halftime.
Millersville was not finished as it came out with the same level on intensity and energy as it did to begin the game. During the 52nd minute, Rodriguez stole the ball off a bad pass by Shepherd in the defensive end. Rodriguez settled and found Valverde at the top of the 18-yard box, who placed a low line drive into the bottom right corner of the net. Shortly following that goal, Cody Scully moved the ball up the side line, placing a cross into the box that deflected to Roy Parkyn, who then found the foot of Josh Rodriguez just outside the 6-yard box. Rodriguez had a one touch shot past the goalkeeper. For the last 25 minutes of play, the Marauders held on to their lead for the shutout.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- Millersville outshot the Rams 16-5 with seven shots on net. The Marauders took eight shots on net during each half.
- Nine different Marauders took part in the offensive attack with Zander Leik leading the pack with four shots.
- The Marauder defense held strong in the back field, only allowing two shots on net for goalkeeper Travis Holiday to collect.
- Bob Hennessey, Rodriguez, and Parkyn were credited with the assists.
- Four yellow cards were handed out throughout the game.
POSTGAME REACTION FROM STEVE WIDDOWSON
"Extremely proud of every player today and a great performance. It's been a really tough couple of weeks for everyone, and it's been hard mentally and emotionally for us. However, we have kept working and problem solving and today we got our reward for those efforts. We got back to our identity and trusted each other and worked hard for each other. Most importantly, we rode out the difficult moments in the game and responded well, which has not been the case recently when something has gone wrong. Great day and now we must build from it and prepare for Wednesday."
UP NEXT
The Marauders return to Pucillo Field on Wednesday, Oct. 11 to face off against Shippensburg.