Northfield, MN - The MCC soccer team kicked off the 2018 season right, defeating the Knights of Carleton College 4-0. Picking off right where the team left off last year, the #19 Tigers controlled the ball almost the entire game and recorded 16 shots in the game. Playing aggressive yet smart, the Tigers will be tough to beat in 2018, moving the ball efficiently and making effective runs at the net will lead to scoring. Last year the Tigers recorded 65 goals, and this team could repeat that success this season.
Sophomore Rafael Vacas is looking for a big year after scoring 5 goals and recording 11 assists last season. Just 13 minutes into the first game, Vacas recorded his first goal with an assists from fellow sophomore Leonardo Tomasi. The Tigers held on to their 1-0 lead until the end of the first half when Matheus Peveira assisted on Kazuki Kimura for a goal in the 37th minute.
Freshman Kazuki Kimura got back in the action in the second half, assisting Rafael Ramos for a goal in the 63rd minute. After 25 minutes of scoreless play, the Tigers struck again, this time sophomore Andre Luis scored on a well-placed pass by Juan Camacho.
Sophomore goalkeeper, Joel Serrano, recorded two saves on the quiet night. Solid defense and an aggressive midfield made his job easy in the season opener. Serrano backed up Juan Gonzales last year, starting only one game but recorded six saves in a shutout victory. Over the summer, the Puerto Rico native played on the Puerto Rico National Team and played in the Premiere Development League gaining valuable experience.
The Tigers will get Saturday off before traveling to Coon Rapids, Minnesota for a 12:00 PM game. Last season the Tigers defeated the Golden Rams 5-1 behind a 3-goal performance by All-American Kino Ryosuke. For more information on the MCC men's soccer team, follow @MCCTigers_MSOC on twitter.
