Thursday, August 18, 2011

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The JU men’s soccer used skill and a little bit of luck to start its season off with positive momentum. Matt Behrhorst tallied a second-half strike and the Dolphins also benefitted from an own-goal to beat USF, 2-1, in an exhibition match on Wednesday night at the Ashley Sports Complex.

Behrhorst, a sophomore, opened the scoring with 21:50 remaining in the second half. The Merritt Island, Fla. native gained good position in front of the net and redirected a loose ball past goalie Chris Blais for the late lead.

The Dolphins benefitted from a USF own goal nearly seven minutes later to take a 2-0 lead. Dom Dwyer gave the Big East-member Bulls a chance late, taking Lucas Baldin’s feed and blasting a shot just inside the crossbar with 5:40 left in regulation to pull USF within one.

But JU held on for the win in the first of two exhibition games scheduled before the regular season commences.

“I thought our guys worked hard,” head coach Mike Johnson said. “At times we gave them too many quality chances but our goals were generated out of hard work. They’re a quality team in a great conference, so it’s a good starting point for us.”

Junior goalkeeper Zach Greenwald posted three saves in playing all 90 minutes

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