BEREA, Ohio – Junior George Cottenden played a big role for the Geneva men's soccer team on Tuesday night at Baldwin Wallace, scoring a brace (two goals) and creating Geneva's other goal in a 3-2 road win. The Golden Tornadoes moved to 2-0 on the season.
Fresh off a 7-0 season-opening win over Penn State Altoona, it took Geneva less than nine minutes to find the net against Baldwin Wallace, and it was Cottenden's pressure that created the chance. Cottenden pressured the Yellow Jackets' last defender, deflecting his pass. The ball fell right to senior Carnel Kerr who advanced in on goal and slotted a ball just inside the far post to give the Golden Tornadoes a quick lead.
Just over ten minutes later, Geneva struck again, courtesy of a set piece. Junior Wil Dunda hit a corner kick into the box, with the ball deflecting immediately back out to Dunda. He took a touch and then sent a curling ball to the back post, and Cottenden was there to head the ball into the net from just two yards out.
Baldwin Wallace pulled a goal back in the 33rd minute on a good strike from the top of the box that hit off the inside of the post and just past a diving save attempt from senior Evan Shale. However, it took just over a minute for Geneva to respond.
Geneva's third goal came courtesy a good run down the right side from senior Darren Main. Main got deep into the corner before sending a cross through the box where Cottenden was once again waiting to head the ball into the net.
The Golden Tornadoes almost scored a fourth time three minutes later when freshman Adam Thompson stole a Baldwin Wallace back-pass and went in on goal, dribbling around the goalie, but his attempt at an empty net just went wide.
Baldwin Wallace pulled within one goal again in the 58th minute when Geneva was unable to clear a loose ball in the box, and the Yellow Jackets' Jakob Young took advantage with a shot into the corner of the net.
Baldwin Wallace really turned up the pressure over the next ten minutes, forcing Shale to make multiple key saves to keep Geneva in the lead. The Golden Tornadoes eventually gained better control of the game, though, and were able to see the game out for the 3-2 victory.
The Yellow Jackets finished the game with a 15-11 edge in shots, though both teams had eight shots on goal. Shale made six saves to earn the win.
Geneva will play its second of three straight road matches on Saturday when the Golden Tornadoes travel to the Rochester Institute of Technology for a 12:00 p.m. match.
Through purposeful learning in a community reflecting the full spectrum of God's kingdom, a Geneva College experience inspires students to discover a faith-life calling in service to God and neighbor. Offering 195+ traditional undergraduate majors and programs, fully online Adult Degree Programs and high-demand graduate degrees, Geneva's programs are recognized for their high quality and affordability. Geneva was founded and is governed by the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America (RPCNA) and is a founding member of both the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) and the International Association for Christian Education (IACE).
