A decorated senior class was honored and celebrated with a victory as the Lee men's soccer team topped Union University, 3-1 on Sunday afternoon at the Lee Soccer Field.
The 2015 senior class now holds a 46-25-11 record in four seasons and is currently ranked No. 11 in the latest NCAA Division II poll. The eight seniors also played a pivotal role in leading the Flames to a NCCAA National Championship last year.
When asked about his seniors, head coach Paul Furey said, "I think they really set a new tone for the culture of players that we wanted.
They are quality people, solid students and their faith is important to them. On top of all that they can really play and we've had some success. We're still striving for something special this season and the books not totally finished on this group but it's been a great story up till this point."
Junior Quade Marinell got things started early for Lee as he blistered a shot into the back of the net at the 15:50 mark for his sixth goal of the season. The score was set on a pass from fellow junior David Perez.
Freshman Jose Orellena would follow suite as he zig-zagged through the Bulldogs' defense before firing a low liner home to give the Flames a 2-0 advantage. Lee would maintain the lead into the intermission.
The seniors were honored at halftime of the match during a special ceremony but the celebration was subdued as just five minutes into the second period play was delayed for nearly 25 minutes as senior Jarrod Cochran suffered a serious leg injury.
"It was very emotional day on many fronts," said Furey. "It was great to honor our seniors but it was a really sad moment to see Jarrod have a very serious injury and our thoughts and prayers are with him right now."
When play resumed, Union responded with a goal from Zac Fletcher (52:58) to cut into the Flames' advantage at 2-1.
Momentum shifted back to the Lee side in the 63rd minute when the Bulldogs' Cole Lewis was shown a red-card after committing a foul as the last line of defense.
The Flames used the advantage and scored an insurance goal at the 72:07 mark as junior Arturo Rocha tallied his first goal of the season. Freshman Danny Johnston set up the score and was credited with the assist.
Both clubs tallied 17 shots in the contest. The Flames placed nine on frame while the Bulldogs tested the Lee defense with 11 shots on target.
Senior Tom Halsall recorded a season-high 10 saves while manning the net for Lee. Union Keeper Matt Kesler was credited with six saves.
When asked about the bond of the veteran back line, senior defender Garrison Adams noted, "It's a great bond. They are all great guys, love soccer and have a real passion for the game, especially Tom and Jon (Finlay). We are great friends on and off the field and all have strong relationship with Christ and work together."
The match proved to be another physical battle for Furey's club as Union was whistled for 25 fouls, five yellow cards and one red. Lee was charged with nine fouls and shown two yellow cards.
Lee improves to 11-3-2 on now sit at 6-1-1 in the GSC. The Bulldogs fall to 5-9-1 overall and 2-5-1 in league play.
The Flames will wrap up the 2015 regular season on Friday night as they host rival Shorter University at 5 p.m.