Needing a win after hitting a tough stretch the Lee men's soccer team stepped up in a big way Sunday afternoon with a 4-1 dismantling of Christian Brothers in Gulf South Conference action.
The Flames fell behind early, conceding a goal in the seventh minute of the match to Devin Malone. From there however it was all Lee.
"I can't say enough about this group of guys that battled today," said third-year head coach Derek Potteiger. "We lost three straight games having played pretty good soccer but not finding a way to win.
We made some adjustments tactically but in the end it came down to this team, this group of willing their way to win."
That will to win was exemplified when Senior Tristan Lyle found the equalizer in the 32 minute. The score was set up by Tanner Carter and Samir Williams.
The score would be deadlocked at 1-1 going into halftime but the Flames fired out the gate and tallied three times in the second half to win comfortably. Jared McWhorter scored his team-leading sixth and seventh goals of the year as he converted in the 51st minute and the 88th minute.
Sophomore defender Jonah Bryan connected on the third goal for the Flames off a pass from Caden Corrao at the 63:09 mark.
After a shaky start for the Lee defense settled down. Senior goalkeeper Daniel Hrenko worked the first half and had one save while freshman Sam Keener did not allow a goal in the second half and posted two saves.
"This team could have folded after the first goal but even with the early adversity they kept fighting and scored four unanswered goals," added Potteiger. "Christian Brothers is a good team and they had won a few in a row but this was a must win for us and I am so proud of this team and their collective effort today."
Viktor Hoestbo suffered the loss in net for the Bucs. Hoestbo allowed four goals and had two saves in the contest.
The win snaps a three-game slide for Lee and as it improves to 7-4-2 overall and an even 3-3-1 in the GSC. The loss sends CBU to 6-7 on the year and 4-4 in league play.
The Flames will continue a four-match road trip on Friday as they visit Montevallo. Opening kickoff is slated for 8:30 EST.