Fw: Washington University Men’s Soccer Scores Twice in the Second Half to Defeat Principia, 2-0, in 2008 Home Opener at Francis Field

Washington University Men's Soccer Scores Twice in the Second Half to Defeat Principia, 2-0, in 2008 Home Opener at Francis Field St. Louis, Mo., September 9, 2008 – The Washington University in St. Louis men's soccer team used a pair of second-half goals to defeat Principia College, 2-0, in the Bears' 2008 home opener at Francis Field in St. Louis, Mo., on Tuesday night. The win was Washington University's first shutout of the season and evens the team's overall record at 2-2.         Washington U. controlled what was mostly a defensive game in the first half, outshooting the Panthers, 5-0, and recording four shots on goal. Principia's best scoring chance came 11 minutes into the game when Aaron Springston controlled a ball deep inside the Bears' zone, but he was unable to fire a shot attempt before being forced off the ball by a WU defender.         The Red and Green nearly took a one-goal lead with 6:44 remaining in the first period. Junior Ryan Grandin came streaking down the left side of the field and fired a long pass to senior Eric Hill. Easily controlling the ball, Hill sent a shot back toward the left side of the goal, but Principia keeper Samuel Thomas was in good position, enabling him to stretch out and make the save, preserving the 0-0 tie.         Both teams picked up the pace of play in the second half, but the Red and Green managed to create more quality scoring chances and found the back of the net twice. Junior John Hengel scored what proved to be the game-winning goal for Washington U. in the 65th minute. Sophomore David Klein controlled the ball deep left-side of the Principia zone and fired a pass into the middle of the box that Hengel one-timed into the back of the net for his first goal of the season.         WU senior Kevin Brege nearly gave the Bears a two-goal lead in the 73rd minute on one of his three near misses in the second half. On that play, senior Kellen Hayes sent a long pass from the right side towards Brege in the box, which he toed past Thomas but to the left of the net. Brege fired three shots in the second half, two coming on goal.         The Bears' insurance goal came on a much simpler play with just 2:11 remaining in regulation. Noticing Samuels was playing too far up the field, Washington University freshman Zach Hendrickson skied a ball from 20-yards out that was too high for Samuels to play, dropping into the goal. Hendrickson's score was also his first of the year. So far in 2008 Washington University has scored six goals from six different goal scorers.         The win improves Washington University to 33-5-1 all-time against Principia College. The Bears picked up a 2-0 win over the Panthers last season in Elsah, Ill.         Washington University (2-2) will return to action on Friday, Sept. 12, when it begins competition in the two-day Washington University/Fontbonne University Classic. The Bears will host Southwestern University on Francis Field in St. Louis, Mo., at 8 p.m. Vincent Novicki Assistant Sports Information Director Washington University in St. Louis (314) 935-4709 (work) (314) 614-2253 (cell) (314) 935-4600 (fax) http://bearsports.wustl.edu