TULSA, Okla. – For the first road game of the season, the 25th-ranked LMU men’s soccer team found themselves playing in a brand new facility and it took them a bit to get into gear. Actually, they took a half. But in the second half, the Lions took control to earn a 2-0 win over Oral Roberts in the brand new Case Soccer Complex in Tulsa, Okla., Thursday night.
 
“On the road for the first time, we didn’t connect well in the first half,” said Head Coach Paul Krumpe. “In the second half, we put a totally different game of soccer together. We really moved the ball well, created great opportunities and really shut down the opponent. Don’t think they did much in the second half at all. I am pleased with the way we finished. “
 
Mitch Boland and Connor Hunsicker were the recipients of great team play and scored seven minutes apart to give the Lions the 2-0 win to improve to 1-1-0 on the season. The Lions outshot Oral Roberts (0-2-0) 9-2 in the second half and had three corner kicks to Oral Roberts none.
 
“We played more of a team game, moved the ball better, didn’t get caught up in the road atmosphere with a new stadium and focused on doing our jobs,” said Krumpe. “We finished well. Probably had two or three more chances that could have easily been goals. We finally put the ball in the back in the net. Finally put a good half of soccer together.”
 
The first goal came off a corner kick. Logan McDaniel served the corner and delivered it to a spot only Boland could reach. He then was untouched and delivered a perfect header at 52:39.
 
Then at 59:40, Phil Da Silva got free and sent a cross to the edge of the box, where Hunsicker left no doubt in putting the ball in the corner. “Da Silva did a great job in setting up that second goal, and Hunsicker drilled a shot that put the game out of reach,” said Krumpe.
 
The Lions will continue their trip of Tulsa when they play the University of Tulsa on Sunday night at 5 p.m. (PT)
 

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