NASHVILLE - In their return to the pitch after a layoff of over 450 days, the Lipscomb men's soccer team dominated in their 2021 spring opener, defeating Evansville 3-1.
In their first-ever game in the Purple and Gold, freshmen Javanne Smith and Tyrese Spicer combined to score all of Lipscomb's goals.
Spicer scored the first goal of the game, and the season, in the 22nd minute with a momentum-shifter with the assist from Smith.
The Bisons (1-0) and the Purple Aces (0-1) were scoreless for the remainder of the first half and for the first 20 minutes of the second half before Smith struck twice within a five minute span.
In the 65th minute, Hayes Wood won a hard-fought ball before sending in the assist to Smith for the score.
In the 70th minute, Ryan Dougherty rocketed a free kick off the crossbar. The ball ricocheted to Smith who slotted home a third Bisons goal.
The remainder of the game was a chippy affair, as four yellow cards were handed out in the second half: Evansville's Evan Dekker in the 58th minute, Louis Robinson in the 63rd minute, Thomas Priest in the 66th minute, and Michael Sibley in the 86th minute.
Sibley, who kept a clean sheet for the first 85 minutes, caused a penalty kick with his yellow card foul. Evansville's Pablo Guillen put it in the back of the net for the Aces lone goal.
THOUGHTS FROM HEAD COACH CHARLES MORROW
"First and foremost, it's just really good to be back. After having such a long break from the last time we played a meaningful game that counted, it just feels unbelievable to be back playing. I'm happy with the group today.
"Coming off the two exhibition games that we had, we really feel good about the things that they were able to take and improve on. Coming off of this game, I think that there's still a lot to improve on it, but I'm super excited for this group.
"I feel like the talent, ability, and team cohesion are there for this group to be really good. But, it comes down to how quickly we can bring it all together. That's the question. But, we'll rest up and get ready for Tuesday. I look forward to another chance to get out and get better."
QUICK KICKS
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Lipscomb outshot Evansville 9-5, with a 4-1 shots on goal advantage.
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Alongside Spicer and Smith, Will Turner started his first game as a Bison. Wyland Worley, Kyle Sutton, and Austin Marfell also played in their first-ever games in the Purple and Gold.
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Smith led the team with three shots and two shots on goal.
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The Bisons extended their home opener winning streak to five seasons.
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Lipscomb now leads the all-time series with the Aces 5-4-3.
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The Bisons earned nine corner kicks to Evansville's one.
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Lipscomb was called for 18 fouls, while the Aces were whistled for five.
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Sibley, Turner, Robinson, Priest, and Honore Kalala went the full 90 minutes for Lipscomb.
UP NEXT
The Bisons will be back at the Lipscomb Soccer Complex on Tuesday for a bout with UAH at 5 p.m.
