The Lee men’s soccer team erupted for three second half goals to remain undefeated in Gulf South Conference play with a 3-0 shutout of Montevallo on a steamy Sunday afternoon from the Lee Soccer Field.
With the heat index in the 90’s the Flames heated things up in the second half. After a scoreless first 45, Palle Jespersen wasted little time getting the Flames on the board after the intermission as he scored off a pass from Jared McWhorter in the 49th minute. The senior now has three goals on the year.
Samaan Williams gave the Flames some breathing room as he connected on a key insurance goal in the 78th minute for his first score of the season.
Jose Orellana delivered the ball forward and was credited with the assist.
“I was so happy for Samaan to get that goal, he’s hard worker and that had been a long time coming for him,” said head coach Derek Potteiger. “He’s a bit of streaky player when it comes to scoring goals so now that he’s found one I think he’s going to be ready to add some more real soon.”
Freshman Aidan Moore made finished things off in the 89th minute as he beat the keeper one on one and fired a bullet into the back of the net for his team-leading fifth goal of the season.
“We managed defensively really well and were very organized and that just gives someone like Aidan the opportunity to go out the goal and make a play and he’s dangerous in those situations,” added Potteiger.
Lee outshot Montevallo, 21-9 and placed 10 shots on frame to just two by the visiting Falcons.
Daniel Hrenko and the Lee backline continued to shine in keeping the clean sheet. Hrenko tallied two saves while Jake Brown, Jonah Bryan and Samir Williams teamed up to deny the Falcons many scoring opportunities. Hrenko has recorded four shutouts this season and boasts a tidy 0.63 Goals against average.
“I think some of the best defense you can play is to have good offense and control the ball and were able to do that and limit their chances,” said Potteiger. “I think it really gives everyone a lift when we go out there and keep the opposition off the board so I’m really proud of the defensive effort.”
The Flames end their five-match home stand at 4-1 and are now 5-2-1 overall and a perfect 3-0 in the GSC. Montevallo falls to 2-5 overall and 1-1 in the league.
“The schedule set up nicely for us and we knew we had to take care of business starting off conference play at home. Now we need to take the same energy and urgency on the road next weekend.”
Lee will begin a four match road trip on Friday starting with a trip to Delta State for a 5 p.m. kickoff.