BABSON PARK, Fla.- The Ave Maria University men's soccer team fell in conference action on Wednesday afternoon, losing 3-1 to the Warriors of Webber International University. The Warriors scored twice in the second half to take the victory in Babson Park in the first of two meetings this season between the two schools.
More than 30 minutes passed before the first goal of the match. In the 33rd minute, the Warriors got on the board thanks to a goal from David Negrin Ruiz, who would be the pivotal player on Wednesday. A pass from Zachary Auger found the foot of Negrin Ruiz, who slotted it into the bottom of the net for his first goal of the match.
Ave Maria answered on a set piece just over seven minutes later. In the 40th minute, the Gyrenes had a free kick, which was taken by Raphael Rodriguez. AMU's all-time leader in assists put the ball in the box, and a header from Nikola Vinski found a home in the net to tie the match at 1. The goal was Vinski's second of the season.
Webber decided the contest with two goals in the second half, both of which coming from Negrin Ruiz. The first goal came in the 60th minute, as a pass from Prince James was curled into the back of the net. The hat trick came in the 73rd minute, as Negrin Ruiz was given an opportunity on a penalty kick, and converted to complete the 3-1 final score.
Despite the 3-1 final, the Gyrenes outshot the Warriors 12-6. Ave Maria managed four shots on goal, while Webber took three shots on goal, with all three shots going in the back of the net. The game was highly contested by both squads, with 33 fouls committed between the two teams and seven total yellow cards given out.
Rodriguez and John Gokey each logged three shots in the losing effort, with two shots on goal from Rodriguez and one from Gokey. Shots were also attempted by Vinski, Cedric Georges, Matias Carbone, Ulises Soto, and LJ Nyengele.
The Gyrenes head on the road for their next match, and will face off with the Fire of Southeastern University. Kickoff in Lakeland is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. AMU's next match at home will be on Wednesday, with the Warner University Royals coming to Gyrene Field. That match will kick off at 7:00 p.m. in Ave Maria.
