GREENSBORO, N.C. - The Guilford College men's soccer team opened up their season at Armfield Athletic Center on Sunday afternoon, falling in their first full contest of the season, 3-0, against William Peace University.
After seeing what was supposed to be their initial contest of the season against Pfeiffer canceled on Friday, the Quakers fall to 0-1-0 on the fresh campaign. The Pacers, meanwhile, improve to 1-1-0.
Chris Kelley (Lexington, N.C) got the nod in net for GC allowing two goals against two saves among the ten total shots he faced, falling to 0-1-0 in net. Ildis Vital-Peraza (Vienna, Va.) took over in the second half allowing one goal versus two saves but did not factor into the decision. Rafa Quievodo-Antunez improved to 1-1-0 for WPU but making a single save among the total of eight Quaker shot attempts.
Zack Marlier, Gavin Beaupre, and Jorge Lemus all scored for the guests with Ethan Gillette adding an assist. Ken Vasquez (Pittsboro, N.C.) and Angel Aragon (Winston-Salem, N.C) each attempted a pair of shots but did not find the frame. Adrian Pineda (Graham, N.C.) had a single shot attempt, but it was the only one to threaten the net for GC.
The Quakers stumbled out the gate with a pair of handballs deep in their defensive territory, providing William Peace with free kicks right outside the 18. While Guilford deterred the first chance, just 2:25 in, Marlier pinged it to the top left bin from about 21-yards out straight-away, securing the first goal of the match.
Despite the early setback, Guilford's keeper, Kelley stood tall. The Pacers continued to press forward, seeking to extend their lead. Kelley's cat-like reflexes lead to a crucial save, on a one-on-one chance from the right side, keeping the deficit at bay.
Guilford and William Peace continued to fight over possession. The Pacer's pressure and highline was too much for the Quakers leading to another goal by the Pacers in the 17th minute. Off a well-executed set play off a corner by the Pacers, a ball from Gillette found the head of Beaupre, tucking it into the center of the twine to make the score 2-0.
Guilford proceeded to apply pressure in hopes of securing a goal. Thanks to Seth Meade (Maryville,Tenn) the Quakers were able to have their first good opportunity. Meade forced a turnover in the midfield, and Vasquez issued a slick pass to Riley Copeland (West End, N.C) out wide right. Copeland made a long run before orchestrating a pristine delivery into the box, crossing past WPU keeper Quievodo-Antunez, but Aragon was unable to finish the play, shooting it into the outside of the net.
As halftime approached, Guilford pushed to lessen the deficit. Dani Santos (Port St. Lucie, Fla) distributed a pinpoint pass to fellow teammate Landon Metzler (Conrelius, N.C) who broke away but was fouled just a few feet outside the box, resulting in a red card on William Peace and a free kick from a great position for GC. Santos stepped up for an attempt but his efforts were not enough as he hit it just above the crossbar.
Guilford's defense continued to stay strong in the second half as William Peace proceeded to have many attacking opportunities through the stanza. Vital-Peraza ensured to leave it all on the field with a miraculous one-hand save, off of a header, on another set play off a corner, preventing another goal to be added on the board
The Quakers continued to seek scoring opportunities with a pair of shots, but couldn't find luck as they conceded a third goal in the 87th minute.
Next, the Quakers travel to Bluefield, Virginia for their next contest, against Bluefield University on September 4. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.
#GoQuakes
