The Emory men’s soccer team demolished Piedmont College (Ga.) 5-0 at home on Oct. 27, bouncing back from a 1-0 away loss on Oct. 20. The team dominated offensively, taking a 1-0 lead in the first half and scoring four more goals in the second. The team outshot Piedmont by 19-0, completely eliminating any chance of their opponent recording a single shot on goal.
Junior defender Max Mehlman credits the Eagles’ preparation as a major factor for their decisive victory.
“We knew going into the game that Piedmont would be eager to get a win against us,” Mehlman said. “We had a great week of training, and we were able to be patient and stick to our gameplan.”
Junior forward Nate Sampson found the back of the net in the 15th minute for his team-leading sixth goal this season. Sophomore forward Ethan Cohen assisted the goal following a throw-in from freshman midfielder and defender Cole Hendricks. The team attempted nine more shots in the half but were not able to increase their advantage going into the break.
The team played a fantastic second half, highlighted by clinical finishing in front of the goal.
According to Mehlman, the team’s ball dominance with the addition of a couple of players solidified their win in the second half.
“I think we were able to slowly wear Piedmont down with possession,” Mehlman said. “Once we scored that second goal we were able to stay on the front foot for the rest of the game.”
Emory’s second goal came in the 48th minute courtesy of junior defender Josh Berman, who headed in the goal following a corner taken by freshman midfielder Matthew Tanzer. Senior forward Corey Levine scored his second goal of the season in the 61st minute after a well-timed cross into the box by freshman forward Madison Conduah.
The Eagles finished the game with two goals by freshman midfielder Joe Beare in the 81st and 84th minutes. Beare slotted home his first goal after picking up a loose ball and scored Emory’s fifth and final goal off a rebound by freshman forward Zach Kornblum.
Senior midfielder Jun Tsuru said that the team is focused on taking it game by game.
“If we come into the game with the right mentality and everyone does their part, we have a good chance against anyone,” Tsuru stated. “Our coaches tell us to control what we can control, which is working hard, communicating with the team and focusing on the details. If we get those right, the rest will come.”
The victory over Piedmont brings Emory’s overall record to 8-5-2. The Eagles return to action on Nov. 1 at 7:30 p.m. when they host Brandeis University (Mass.).
