(Editor’s note: Carroll College athletics release)
HELENA — The Carroll College Saints men’s soccer team likely locked up a Cascade Collegiate Conference Tournament spot after a 4-0 win against Oregon Tech on Friday at Nelson Stadium.
“We had a good week of practice,” Saints coach Doug Mello said. “We were very loose. We worked hard. We said how important it was to come out in the beginning of the match and not allow them any hope to think this was their match. We did step on them early and we kept the pressure on them.”
The Saints took the lead in the 19th minute when Santiago Morazzani took a touch pass from Nick Lowrimore and scored very close to the goal.
The Saints added to their lead when Alessio Georgiades hit a well-struck free kick in the 42nd minute.
Carroll held a 2-0 lead at half and didn’t let up.
“We saw the game out,” Mello said. “We didn’t park the bus and just defend. We kept going forward. We were rewarded with two more goals.”
Jose Porras got busy in the second half, scoring in the 55th minute off a long ball from Jonathan Taylor, finishing the Saints’ third goal.
Porras struck again in the 64th minute when he received a pass from Lowrimore, who finished the day with two assists, and chipped the keeper with a deft touch to push the Saints’ lead to 4-0.
Porras played a strong game with a little added incentive. His parents flew in from Guatemala to watch him play.
“Javi Porras, parents in from Guatemala, shines brightly,” Mello said.
Carroll outshot the Owls 16-9.
“Jon Taylor in the back, Leo Georgiades, I think our whole backline was great,” Mello said. “We have a good group of guys that have saved some nice goals and had some nice results. We shut them down nicely.”
Freshman keeper Kaden Connor got the clean sheet in goal, making five saves on the day.
The Saints battle No. 14 Southern Oregon on Sunday, a game that doubles as Senior Day for the men.
“This for us, these games are like playoff games,” Mello said. “If we don’t win them we don’t go to the playoffs, probably. These are the playoffs. This is going to help us move into Eugene.”
The Carroll College women’s team defeated Oregon Tech 1-0 on Friday at Nelson Stadium.
“It’s always good to get a shutout at home,” Saints coach Dave Thorvilson said.
Carroll (9-6-2) scored a goal in the 31st minute when Katie Martin headed down a corner kick from Kirsten Girolami. Martin’s goal would become the game-winner for the freshman.
Oregon Tech (10-4-2) had chances, with 11 shots, including seven on frame, but couldn’t finish.
Saints senior goalkeeper Devan Murfitt recorded a clean sheet, which included seven saves on the day. It’s her fourth shutout of the season.
The Saints will be hungry for another win on Sunday as they host Southern Oregon as part of Senior Day. If the Saints defeat the Raiders, they’ll earn a share of the regular season CCC championship.
The Saints kickoff at 1:30 p.m. Sunday.
