Salisbury, N.C. – Junior Jordan Skelton and senior Sam Lofts each netted two goals as the the Lander men’s soccer team cruised to their fourth consecutive victory in a decisive 6-3 win over Catawba. The two goals for Skelton and Lofts elevated the upperclassmen to reclaiming the distinction of highest goalscorers in the Peach Belt with six each.
Junior Richard Bryan registered his third career goal in the 62nd minute as the talented defender has now recorded 36 shots this year, second most in the conference. Freshman midfielder Thibault Chretien continued his exceptional play with his third career assist.
Lander (7-2) held off a late charge from Catawba (1-6) after junior Matt Albertson received his second yellow card from a foul inside the penalty box in the 80th minute. Catawba took advantage of the penalty kick opportunity as senior Philipp Hollenhorst notched his second goal of the year to make the score 5-2 in favor of the Bearcats.
Three minutes later, Catawba senior Tobias Iriah shortened the Lander lead to just a two-goal margin. However the Bearcats would not be outdone, as sophomore Robbie Young found another goal for the Bearcats in the 87th minute to give Lander the commanding 6-3 win.
The Bearcats will return to conference action on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. as the team will travel to Dahlonega, Ga., to take on North Georgia.
