FLORISSANT VALLEY, Mo. – No. 15 Parkland Men's Soccer (5-2) came from behind to beat St. Louis CC (6-4-2) by the score of 3-1 on Saturday afternoon.
"Extremely happy with the effort today," expressed Head Coach
Mark Sikora. "The team battled a solid opponent, away, and had to deal with temperatures in 80s. Anytime you can come down here and earn a victory, it is a meaningful moment."
The Archers scored first, netting a goal in the 13th minute of play. It only took seven minutes for the Cobras to respond, as
Luiz Faria (2A) found Michael Garza, who then sent the ball past the St. Louis keeper, leveling the score. Eight minutes later, in the 28th minute,
Giuseppe Verrecchia scored with an assist from
Saito Eikichi. At the break, Parkland was up, 2-1.
In the second half, the Archers were unable to produce an equalizing goal.
Jonathan Velasquez, however, added one for the Cobras in the 76th minute, thanks to a set-up pass from Faria.
Parkland produced 9 shots on goal and its defense held St. Louis to only 5. Cobras keeper
Matteo Gigliozzi had 4 saves in goal.
"We had a great response after going down a goal and just kept pushing to not only score in response, but to keep driving to put the game away in some very tough conditions," added Sikora. "It was great to see Giuseppe score his first goal as a Cobra, one that might be the goal of the season. Matteo had some match-deciding saves, showing all his class as a goalkeeper, and everyone stuck to the plan."
Up next, Parkland travels to East Peoria, Ill., to play No. 14 (DI) Illinois Central College, on Wednesday, May 5, at 4:00 pm.
