ST. CHARLES, Mo. - After losing an overtime heartbreaker on Sunday, the Lee men's soccer team rebounded in the second round of the Lindenwood University Invitational and defeated Graceland (Iowa), 3-1 on Monday afternoon.
With Gilbert Ruiz and Sebastian Lara leading the charge, the Flames improved their record to 2-3. They continue their road adventures on Saturday, facing the University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, Ky.
"Gilbert was just outstanding the entire day," said coach Henry Moyo. "He is really coming into his own. Sebastian played well. Luke Cuthbert paced our defenders. They were just fantastic."
Lee jumped out of the gate fast. In the 8th minute Ruiz knocked in an unassisted goal to put the Flames up 1-0. Graceland fired right back and tied the contest at the 18:25 mark on a score by Carlos Camacho. A key moment in the Lee win came with only 13 seconds remaining in the first half. Cedric Beauzile stepped up big with a score that put the Flames up 2-1. Lara got the first of his two assists in the win.
Lee added a badly needed insurance score in the 57th minute. Fernando Barriga's tally put the Flames up 3-1 and killed any comeback hopes of the Iowa team. Sophomore Robbie Marcum picked up his second yellow card and Lee was forced to play the final 25 minutes with only 10 men.
"We responded well after the tough loss on Sunday," said the Lee coach. "Graceland has played an extremely tough schedule and they were very good. We took it to them from the start and our guys never let up. We've played good defense all season but we stepped up our offensive attack today."
For the second straight day, Lee got solid play in goal from Benjamin Perez who had six saves. Graceland attempted 11 shots and put eight on target. Lee's rapid firing offense took 16 shots and was accurate with 11. Graceland goalkeeper Gage Tubbs finished the afternoon with five saves.