BOCA RATON, Fla. - Lynn University's men's soccer team flexed its muscles in a physical game against Florida Memorial, topping the Lions 1-0 on Friday afternoon. The Fighting Knights logged their fourth consecutive shutout and ninth overall while Michael Kutscher notched the game-winning goal in helping Lynn to improve to 11-4-0 overall.
Mini-scuffles and hard fouls popped up all over the field through the first 30 minutes of play until a hard tackle by Jahvan Russel on Julian Halder sent Russel from the game with a red card and gave LU a one-man advantage.
The Blue & White weren't able to capitalize on the man-advantage until the 60th minute of play. The third card of the match for FMU gave the Knights a free kick from midway in Lions territory. Sam Shorrocks sent in a perfect ball to Ryan Birch at the top of the box. Birch moved to his left and sent a cross through the six-yard box where Kutscher was waiting for the easy tap-in.
Shorrocks tallied his team-leading fifth assist and fourth over the last four matches. Kutscher has two goals on the season, both of which are game-winners.
Making his first start in net was Robbie Hannon but the junior out of Kent, England, did not have to make a save as his defense locked down the Lions' attack. Anchored by Sunshine State Conference Defensive Player of the Week Jason Sangha and flanked by A.B. Magnusson, James Aldred and Kutscher, the Knights' defense allowed five shots, none on goal.
Lynn outshot Florida Memorial 25-5 and claimed the corner kick battle 25-5.
The Fighting Knights return to action on Wednesday, October 26, at 3 p.m. when they host longtime rival Barry in their regular season finale. Fans can watch the game live at www.LynnFightingKnights.com by selecting the Game Central icon and receive in-game tweets by following sports information director Chad Beattie at @Chad_BT.
