SAINT MARY-OF-THE-WOODS, Ind. — Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College men's soccer celebrated Senior Day in style Saturday afternoon, using a balanced offensive attack and a standout performance from senior Andres Gomes to cruise past Kentucky Christian University, 5-1, at McMahon Field in the regular-season finale.
The Pomeroys improved to 5-8-3 overall and 2-3-1 in River States Conference play, building momentum heading into next week's conference tournament.
Gomes delivered a memorable Senior Day performance, scoring twice and adding an assist to account for three of SMWC's five goals. Fellow seniors
Jamachi Obiukwu and
Carlington Henry each found the back of the net, while senior
Marc Valderrama contributed two assists.
Ethan Johnson rounded out the scoring with a goal of his own.
SMWC wasted little time setting the tone as Gomes opened the scoring just 3:30 into the contest, finishing an opportunity created by fellow senior
Ivan Gelado Chavala to give the Pomeroys an early advantage.
Kentucky Christian responded in the 13th minute when Jeremy Alig scored the equalizer, but the Pomeroys quickly regained control. Johnson put SMWC back in front at the 16:10 mark off a feed from Valderrama before Obiukwu extended the advantage to 3-1 less than five minutes later, capitalizing on another Valderrama assist.
The two-goal cushion held through halftime before SMWC took complete control in the second half. After sustained offensive pressure, Gomes struck again in the 74th minute for his second goal of the afternoon, extending the lead to 4-1.
Just 89 seconds later, Gomes turned provider, setting up Henry for the Pomeroys' fifth goal at the 75:20 mark and putting the finishing touches on an impressive Senior Day celebration.
The Pomeroys controlled the offensive opportunities throughout the contest, outshooting Kentucky Christian 20-6, including an 11-5 advantage in shots on goal. SMWC also earned eight corner kicks compared to two for the Knights.
Gomes led all players with four shots, placing each attempt on target, while Obiukwu, Henry and Johnson each contributed two shots. Senior goalkeeper
Harry Jackson played all 90 minutes between the posts, recording four saves and allowing just one goal to secure the victory.
The win provided a fitting home finale for the Pomeroys' senior class, with veteran contributors playing pivotal roles on both ends of the field.
Up Next
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College turns its attention to postseason play as the Pomeroys open the River States Conference Tournament on Wednesday, Nov. 4. The opponent, game time and location will be announced at a later date.
