Calix Scores Twice in Trojan Debut; Aaron Earns First Coaching Win

DEFIANCE, Ohio – Making his Trojan debut, freshman Noel Calix scored twice to lead the Taylor University men's soccer team to a 3-0 win over Defiance in Saturday's season opener. Brock Carpenter added the final goal, and first-year head coach Parker Aaron secured his first career coaching victory.

After a scoreless opening half, TU (1-0-0) broke the deadlock early in the second period when Calix scored a spectacular 30-yard goal in the 52nd minute, capping a nice buildup for the Trojans in the attacking end.

Calix gathered the ball in front of a defender, used a hesitation move to create space and curled his right-footed shot into the upper right corner of the net. Caden Harrison was credited with his first career assist on the scoring play.

Only a few moments later, Calix successfully converted a free kick from nearly the exact same spot on the field, this time beating the keeper to the left post and putting the Trojans quickly ahead by two goals.

It's the second time in three years that a TU freshman scored in the season opener. Luke Stimpson tallied his first career goal in the 2023 opener at Trinity Christian.

Additionally, it's the second meeting in a row that a Trojan has scored twice against Defiance, with Matt Yoder pulling off the feat last season.

Carpenter's goal came in the 81st minute after carving his way through the left side of the penalty area and beating the keeper one-on-one from close range. It marked the junior's fifth career goal and second tally in a road match.

Overall, the Trojans outshot the Yellow Jackets 12-3 including 5-1 in the first stanza and 7-2 over the final 45 minutes. Eight of the 12 shot attempts were on target. TU also held the advantage in corner kicks, 7-2, with six of those coming in the second half.

Connor Shaw picked up the win between the posts for the Trojans, running his career record to 4-2-1 while earning his second clean sheet.

TU returns to action for its home opener against Oakland City on Wednesday. The match is scheduled for a 7 p.m. start and will follow the 4 p.m. women's game at Turner Stadium.