Playing before a packed house at the Lee Soccer Field, the Flames opened the 2014 season with a convincing 4-1 victory over rival Tennessee Temple on Thursday evening. Lee will return to action on Saturday at 7 p.m. hosting Union University in the final match of the Olive Garden Invitational. The Crusaders will continue tourney play on Friday testing Union at 4:30.
The Flames wasted no time in grabbing a 1-0 lead. Robbie Cutchin scored after only 91 seconds had ticked off the scoreboard clock.
The goal came on a hard strike from 25 yards out. The margin grew to 2-0 in the 27th minute when Jonathan Finlay tallied on a double assist from Gabe Franco and David Perez. It was a one-timer off one-touch pass inside the box.
Holding a 2-0 advantage at the break, the Flames went right back to work in the 60th minute. Quade Marinell tallied on an assist by Finlay. The score was the result of a one-timer off a cross to the far post.
The Crusaders picked up their only tally in the 81st minute. Gerardo Mondragon scored off a corner kick served up by Lionel Burgos. Lee quickly countered on a penalty kick to reach the 4-1 advantage. Jake Molony knocked in the kick in the 88th minute.
The Flames were in complete command the entire evening taking 22 shots to only six for the visitors from Chattanooga. Four Lee shots were on goal and Temple placed only one on target. Joshua Fernandez allowed four goals but picked up four saves in goal for the losers. Tom Halsall played over 78 minutes in the net for the Flames. Joey Hinshaw came in for the final 11:18 and gave up a goal but registered a pair of saves.