BILLY WOODS | Reporter
The Lindenwood men’s soccer team went 1-1 over the weekend against the University of Indianapolis and Bellarmine University behind Logan Doerr’s first career goal.
Going into Friday’s matchup with the University of Indianapolis, the Lions were 2-3-2, with the last win coming against the University of Missouri- St. Louis on Sept. 15. The Lions won the match to avenge a four-game streak that included two ties and two losses.
“It feels great,” head coach Carl Hutter said, “but we have eight games left and we have expectations to qualify for the postseason so we have to get going.”
Hutter preaches team mentality and holding each other accountable for the trials and tribulations of the season. The goal by Doerr in the 39th minute gave the Lions the momentum they were searching for, sparking a total team effort in a 1-0 win.
The Lions four-game streak away from Hunter Stadium continued Sunday at Bellarmine University. Despite taking a 1-0 lead in the 12th minute from a goal by Luke McBeth, the Lions were unable to prevail, losing 3-1.
“We have to keep pushing them positively physically and emotionally,” Hutter said. “We have to defend better, not only as a group but also individually and we have to block balls better and not allow scoring opportunities. The least amount of balls we allow on our goal, the least amount they can score.”
McBeth’s goal in the 12th minute was his team-leading sixth goal of the season, giving him at least one point in seven of the eight matches he has appeared in.
“He’s been primarily used as a defensive minded midfielder, so he’s doing a good job adjusting to attacking,” Hutter said. “We have other players who have been strong contributors: Thomas Hutcheson, Gaspar Alvarez, Joshua Scholl. Those guys have been unlucky, especially with goals being called back.”
Entering the season, the men’s soccer team was filled with youth and inexperience. As the season has progressed, the under-classmen have contributed to the overall growth of the team.
“There’s a learning curve, and you hope that curve gets smaller and smaller as each week of the season passes,” Hutter said. “It’s that time of the season to step up, whether they’re playing a lot or very little, we recruited them for a reason, they have a purpose.”
The Lions will return to Hunter Stadium on Oct. 11 to host Missouri S&T.
“It’s great to play in front of the home crowd,” Hutter said. “It’s tiresome to be on the road, but everyone knows of the expectation ahead of time so if you sign up to do it, you got to understand what you’re signing up for.”
