The Saint Leo men’s soccer team (4-0) was unrelenting in their attack of the Georgia Southwestern (0-3) goal as they tallied four goals in the first half. Saint Leo went on to upend the Hurricanes, 5-0, Friday evening from University Field.
The Lions and Hurricanes went back-and-forth for the first 18 minutes, as both teams searched for a feel of the game. However, Saint Leo quickly turned on the scoring switch and did not go out off for the remainder of the half, as Saint Leo tallied their first four goals in a span of 13 minutes.
Allen was the first to light the lamp as the defender tipped in a pinpoint, set piece pass from Cutler from about 20 yards out. In the 21st-minute, Glenn increased the advantage to 2-0 when he, from Herrera, blasted a shot from the right side of the box and into the left corner of the net.
Saint Leo’s third goal came on a deflected shot from Gendreau which was angled into the right corner of the net by Herrera, his sixth of the season.
Cutler put the finishing touches on the Lions scoring in the first half during the 31st-minute. After Cutler banged one off the far post, the midfielder collected his own rebound and slid it past the ‘keeper to make the score 4-0.
Gendreau added the fifth mark in the 78th-minute. Valdez sent forward a through ball in-stride with Gendreau to the face of goal. From there the freshman settled the ball and chipped it over the ‘keeper’s head into the back of the net. Saint Leo maintained the advantage for the remainder of the contest.
The Lions also posted their third-consecutive team shutout. Jake Hirst (3-0) picked up the win, while McKenzey Scott finished-off the final 30 minutes. The defense also made their presence known, allowing only one shot to the Hurricanes, with that one shot occurring late in the second half.
Saint Leo had defeated Georgia Southwestern in each of their four matches, outscoring the Hurricanes, 18-0.
The win also pushed the Lions to 4-0, their best start since their Sunshine State Conference Championship season in 2005. The Lions started the season 5-0 during that year.
The Green & Gold will open conference play on Friday, September 17 in Winter Park, Fla. when they take on the Tars of Rollins College. Kickoff for the match is set for 7:00 p.m.