Dominant Second Half Lifts Statesmen Over Baker

Oskaloosa--The No. 8 William Penn men's soccer team overcame an early deficit and surged in the second half to claim a 4-2 victory over No. 23 Baker in Heart of America Athletic Conference play Saturday.

The Statesmen (4-1-3, 2-0-2 Heart) controlled much of the contest, finishing with a 16-6 shot advantage, including a 7-4 edge in attempts on frame, over the Wildcats (3-4-1, 2-3-1 Heart).

Baker struck first just before halftime, however, capitalizing in the 44th minute to take a 1-0 lead. William Penn had four chances in the opening period, but went into the break trailing.

The momentum quickly shifted after intermission. At the 52:00 mark, Albert Feixas (So., Santa Coloma de Farners, Spain, Exercise Science) broke through, slotting home a pass from Rob Stoop (So., Bosch en Duin, Netherlands, Exercise Science) to even the match.

The Wildcats wasted little time in responding, regaining the lead only 43 seconds later. But Feixas answered right back, pouncing on a deflection and burying his second goal in the 54th minute to level the score once again.

The Statesmen then took control for good. In the 69th minute, John-Joe Mullane (Sr., Kent, England, Sports Management) delivered a well-placed ball that freshman Leonardo Jimenez (Mexico City, Mexico, Business Management) headed past the Baker goalkeeper and two defenders to make it 3-2.

William Penn added insurance in the 79th minute when Jaime Rozalen (Jr., Valencia, Spain, Business Management) converted a setup from Mullane, sealing the win.

Feixas paced the offense with four shots, while Rozalen followed with three. Jimenez and Alexander Greaves (Jr., Hertford, England, Sports Management) chipped in two apiece.

"We went into halftime, thinking about what could be better. We talked and changed it," said Albert Feixas. "We did the right set pieces and put the ball in the net. I think we did a great job in the second half, and we won."

"The first half was cagey. Two good teams playing, and we adjusted to each other," said Head Coach Joe Minton. "At halftime, I spoke to them and said we need to simplify. The team did it, and I am super excited to score more goals, finally."

Next Up: William Penn hosts Heart foe Graceland Wednesday at Drost Field with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m.