REDLANDS, Calif. – The University of Redlands Men's Soccer team (3-1) won their third-straight game Thursday night edging Whitman College 2-1 inside Farquhar Field.
It was nearly a perfect start for the Bulldogs as Cody Bell came down on the U of R's opening possession curling a left footed shot in the box towards the far post, but it would hit and stay just outside the crease keeping the game scoreless.
Phillip Kostenko (Redmond, WA) then had four shot attempts followed by Anders Beckton (Seattle, WA) who had two of his own. Beckton's shots came back-to-back as the Blues' keeper made the stop on the first attempt before the second was cleared off the line by a defender.
Then in the 16th minute off a corner the Blues got on the scoreboard sending a ball to the top of the box where a player touched it to a teammate for the header finish near post.
After another three Bulldog shot attempts, one which required a save, Beckton scored to equalize at one in the 26th. Zach Darmanyan (San Diego, CA) won the 50-50 loose ball and found Yusef Mayet (Redondo Beach, CA) who then sent a long ball to Beckton who then took a touch before cutting back in front of a defender and finishing cross-cage.
Less than five minutes into the second half Kostenko provided the eventual game-winner taking a handful of touches, after Redlands won another 50-50 ball. He would take a loose ball and carry it on top of the box where he connected from about 25 yards out in the putting UR up 2-1. It was his fifth goal of the season, all of which have come in the last three games.
In the second half the Blues only got three shots off, none of which tested Brady Bachman (San Diego, CA) as the Bulldogs completed the 2-1 come from behind victory.
Redlands outshot Whitman 24-6, had five more corners (7-2), and drew seven more fouls (13-6). Despite that domination, and a huge possession advantage, they only put seven of their 24 shots on target, giving them only a plus five advantage on the Blues.
Kostenko finished with a goal on eight shots, three of which were on-goal. Beckton finished with four shots, three of which were on goal, and added his first tally of the season.
The next outing for Redlands is next Wednesday, September 18 at 7:00 p.m. when they host Chapman University at Farquhar Field for their Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) opener.
