Men's Soccer off to Strong Start

Posted on September 29, 2009 by Spencer Pyke

The Lynchburg College men's soccer team remained undefeated this past weekend with wins over Stevenson University and Shenandoah University. The Hornets traveled to Hampden-Sydney College, the host of the two-day tournament, for both games.

The team began the tournament with a 4 - 0 win over Stevenson on Saturday. Junior Michael Abbonizio scored his third goal of the season at the beginning of the first half while junior Ben Phelps tallied two more goals in the second half against the Mustangs. Junior Hunter Smith also found the back of the net from an assist off the foot of senior Josh Reed.

"We are off to a good start," Abbonizio, who leads the team with three goals, said. "We have a great group of upperclassmen which should take us back to the ODAC Championship game."

LC outshot the Mustangs 20-9 and held a 7-2 advantage in corner kicks while Stevenson recorded nine saves to two for the Hornets, according to LC athletics website.

On Sunday, the scenario was no different for the Hornets as they posted another 4 - 0 shutout victory over Shenandoah University moving them to (3 - 0) on the 2009 season. Junior Donald Hart III and sophomores Shane Spanninger and Jim Rochow all contributed a goal while the Shenandoah defense provided an own goal as well.

"Winning the HSC tournament this weekend was another step for LC men's soccer but we have to come out this weekend at the Shellenberger Tournament and do the same against better competition," Spanninger said. "This weekend will show our true potential and how well we can play as a team against stronger teams."

LC will host the Shellenberger Tournament this weekend as the Hornets take the field on Saturday at noon against Mary Washington and again on Sunday against Washington and Jefferson at 2:30 p.m., according to LC athletics website.

The Hornets have outscored their opponents 11 - 0 this season and do not play their first Old Dominion Athletic Conference game until Wednesday, Sept. 16 against Eastern Mennonite University under the lights of Shellenberger at 7 p.m.