MARION, Ind. – Grace College's men's soccer team picked up its fifth straight win with a 4-1 victory over Indiana Wesleyan.
With the victory, the Lancers move to within one point of the league-leading Bethel Pilots with one game remaining in the regular season.
Grace also already secured a top-three finish in the Crossroads League standings. A win or draw on Saturday would mean the Lancers would finish no worse than second and have the potential to host two CL Tournament matches.
Grace finishes the regular season at Mt. Vernon Nazarene on Saturday at 7 p.m.
Just minutes after the opening whistle, the Lancers (9-8, 6-2 Crossroads League) found the back of the net. Daniel Santos Rosa passed to Connor Pugh who blasted in a goal to hand Grace a 1-0 advantage just four minutes into the contest.
The lead was short-lived; the Wildcats (9-5-2, 3-3-2 CL) scored the equalizer four minutes later.
Within 15 minutes of IWU's equalizer, Grace seized control of the match.
In the 22nd minute, Flavio Cruz crossed the ball to Martim Cardoso. Cardoso scored for his 10th tally of the season.
Two minutes after Cardoso's marker, great team passing led to a scoring opportunity for Jonny Mora. Felipe Gruber and Ze Maria Goncalves connected for a dangerous possession, and Jonny Mora finished off the goal to put the Lancers on top 3-1.
Neither team would find another marker before the conclusion of the half as the Lancers took a 3-1 advantage into the intermission.
Matteo Conci made two saves in the first period, and both teams tried seven shots.
Offense was slower after halftime with a handful of shots over the first 20 minutes. One of those attempts resulted in Grace's fourth goal.
TJ White picked out Ethan Vigario, who beat the IWU goalkeeper for the final 4-1 scoreline.
Grace's possession and defense largely kept IWU from presenting any danger as the minutes ticked off the clock. The Wildcats had just one shot attempt over the final 15 minutes of regulation as the Lancers secured the road win.
Nine different players for Grace registered a goal or an assist in the win, showcasing a balanced effort across the pitch.
Conci registered three saves in the victory.
