Josh Ball had a game for the ages to lead the Lee University men’s soccer team to an 8-0 victory over host Clearwater Christian College.
Ball played a part in seven of the team’s eight goals. The senior tallied six goals, including the match’s first five, to run his season total to 16. He also added his first assist of the year.
“It seemed like every time JB touched the ball it resulted in a goal,” said head coach Paul Furey.
Lee (10-3-4) controlled the match from start to finish, but it took the Flames nearly 35 minutes until they were able to crack the scoreboard.
Less than five minutes after checking into the game, Ball took a long pass from goalkeeper Joey Hinshaw, took a couple touches and delivered a cut shot past the keeper.
Quade Marinell added a goal and two assists in the win. After assisting Ball for the game’s second goal, Eli Price headed home a corner kick from Travis Kiger for the eighth goal of the night.
“Every player contributed good minutes tonight, which makes for a nice team win,” added Furey
The Flames took 25 shots and placed 13 on frame, while Clearwater Christian (6-10-1) was held to just five shots with Hinshaw stopping all three shots on goal to record his first career shutout.
The Flames’ weekend will get tougher as they travel from the Gulf Coast to the Atlantic Ocean side of Florida to face Palm Beach Atlantic University on Saturday.
“Saturday’s match will help prepare us for the postseason in the NCCAA,” concluded Furey.