Mount Mercy fends off Waldorf

By: Waldorf Sports Information Director

FOREST CITY – Mount Mercy University fended off the Waldorf University men’s soccer team by taking a 2-1 victory on Wednesday.

Yinka Ajibola delivered the game-winning goal for the Mustangs (6-3-1) with less than five minutes remaining. Timon Weidmann also added a goal for Mount Mercy.

Marco Fitchner recorded two assists on the day. The Mustangs received shots on goal from Filip Kovacevic, Sarrive Rukakiza, Fitchner, Weidmann and Ajibola.

Cristian Alvarez scored the lone goal for the Warriors (7-4). The senior from Santa Maria,Calif. leads Waldorf with seven goals and 16 points on the season. In his second season with the Warriors, Alvarez moved up to fifth in the Waldorf school records with 15 career goals.

Alvarez tallied five shots on target for the Warriors. Freshman Ralph Francois contributed three shots on goal while junior Jose Rincon, freshmen Ian Kramer and Sebico Gray each provided shots on frame.

Sophomore Humberto Figueroa faced five shots and collected three saves.

Mount Mercy goalkeeper Caleb Kesterson saved nine of the ten shots he faced.

The Warriors brought an aggressive attack, outshooting the Mustangs by a 33-15 margin.

Action remained scoreless through 45 minutes of play. Weidmann took a left-side shot from the 10-yard line and put the Mustangs on the board 47 minutes into the match. Fitchner was credited with the assist.

Mount Mercy changed its strategy to a more defensive approach in an attempt to maintain its 1-0 lead. On the contrary, Waldorf brought a more aggressive passing attack in an effort to create more opportunities to tie the game.

During the 75th minute, sophomore Cameron Saul fired a shot that was shut down by the Mustang defense. Alvarez recovered the shot and contributed the equalizer.

The tone changed once again as both teams fought to utilize any chance to take the lead. During the 86th minute, Fitchner fed Ajibola a pass that opened up the right side of the field. Ajibola advanced the ball 30 yards and was able to find the back of the net to put the Mustangs ahead. Mount Mercy fought off Waldorf for the remainder of the match to take the win.

The Warriors begin North-Star-Athletic-Association (NSAA) play by hosting Presentation College (2-9) on Saturday at 7 p.m.