BOCA RATON, Fla. – The winning streak continues for Lynn University's men's soccer team following a thoroughly dominating 3-0 victory over Nova Southeastern on Wednesday. Michael Kutscher and Youcef Oudjidane recorded their first career goals while the 16th-ranked Fighting Knights defense posted its fifth shutout of the season. Lynn has won seven straight to improve to 7-1 overall and 3-0 in the Sunshine State Conference.
The Blue & White started off a bit slow but quickly regained their composure following a goal-scare in the opening minutes of play. James Pucci was able to slip past the LU defense and launch a shot to the left post but Matt DiCerbo made a leaping save to keep the match scoreless.
Although kept off the scoreboard for the first half, LU outshot NSU (2-5-1, 0-3 SSC) 9-3 and 25-5 overall. It wasn't until two minutes into the second period that the Fighting Knights finally had the ball bounce their way. Kutscher was the first beneficiary, snapping the 0-0 tie at 47:01 when he beat his defender down the right sideline and back line and ripped a shot that deflected off a Sharks defender and into the net.
The first goal opened the floodgates and brought confidence to the Lynn offense. Heiko Eberhardt was the next to get on the score sheet. Started by Harald Gracholski near the top right corner of the penalty box, the senior out of Cologne, Germany heeled a pass to Johnny Mertl near the center of the field and Mertle one-touched the ball into the box. Eberhardt collected, settled and sent a "Bend-it-Like-Beckham" shot inside the left post for his fifth goal of the season. He is tied with Gracholski in goals and points (11).
It appeared the Blue & White were toying with Nova Southeastern after the second goal, setting up scoring opportunities one after another. It wasn't until the 70th minute, though, that LU was able to add its third goal. Lanre Giwa sprinted past his defender on the right side and cut back towards goal, sending a low shot to keeper Andrea Giombetti's left. Giombetti made the initial save but Oudjidane was there to gobble up the loose ball and record his first goal.
Lynn's defense held NSU without a shot for much of the second half until substitutions gave LU's starters some much needed rest. DiCerbo was able to keep the shutout alive in the 77th minute when Philip Klaus broke free on the left wing and fired a point blank shot from just outside the six-yard box. DiCerbo made a diving stop, his second on the day, to post his fourth shutout on the year.
The Fighting Knights return to action on Saturday, October 1, at 7 p.m. when they travel to battle Tampa, Fla., Fans can listen to the action live by logging on to www.LynnFightingKnights.com and selecting the Game Central Icon and receive in-game tweets by Sports Information Director Chad Beattie @Chad_BT.
