Creighton University
Evansville
Bluejay Men’s Soccer Snaps Friday Funk With 1-0 Victory
10/10/2003 3:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
OMAHA, Neb. - Jarod Tarver's goal in the sixth minute of a wild match on Friday night proved to be the difference for the Creighton men's soccer team in a 1-0 victory over Evansville at the Creighton Soccer Field. The Bluejay goal was their first in over 90 shot attempts on Fridays this season.
Tarver netted his second goal of the year at 5:46, as part of a heavy offensive onslaught on the Purple Aces. The freshman knocked home a perfect feed from Matt Thomas for the only tally of the evening. Creighton (4-3-3, 1-0-1 MVC) completely dominated the first half, out-shooting the Purple Aces (6-4-2, 1-2-0 MVC) by an 11-1 count.
“It was great to break the Friday jinx,” Head Coach Bob Warming said after his team had been shutout in its five previous Friday contests. “I thought we played an outstanding first half and with our attack it could have been a much higher scoring game.”
The Jays had several good scoring opportunities in the game's opening minutes, but UE goalkeeper Troy Perkins made five saves in the first half to keep his team in the match. CU was then aided even more when Evansville's Richard Smith was issued a red card in the 27th minute, forcing the Aces to play a man down for the remainder of the match.
Both the Bluejay offense and defense performed up to task on Friday, as the Jays held a 20-5 edge in shots, including not allowing a single shot on goal to the Purple Aces. Goalkeeper Guido Leon was the benefactor of a tenacious defense in front of the net, as he records his fourth shutout of the year despite not needing to make one save.
A late-match ruckus resulted in another UE red card and the third Purple Ace yellow card in the match. With 11 seconds remaining on the clock, Leon held the ball in his arms, but was knocked off his feet when a UE player kicked high at CU goalkeeper. On the night, the Jays were whistled for 21 fouls to UE's 12.
The Jays return to action when they play host to Southwest Missouri State on Sunday at 1 p.m., at the Creighton Soccer Field. The Creighton Soccer Field is located at the corner of 17th and Cass Streets in downtown Omaha.
