Taylor Holds off Indiana Northwest 2-1 in Rain-Soaked Match

EAST CHICAGO, Ind. – Despite soggy conditions, the Taylor University men's soccer team weathered the storm Wednesday night for a 2-1 victory over Indiana University Northwest in a non-conference game hosted at East Chicago Central High School.

TU improved to 3-1-0 overall and remained undefeated in road matches.

After a scoreless first half with just four combined shots on goal, Taylor broke through with two goals in rapid succession during the 66th minute.

Josh Byrd assisted on both strikes. First, he beat two defenders and slipped a through ball to Luka Gole, who scored his first career goal. Less than a minute later, Byrd collected Justin Devlin's free kick in front of the keeper and found Giulio Mapessa, who also recorded his first goal in a Taylor uniform.

The quick-strike goals continued Taylor's season-long trend of second-half scoring – all nine Trojan goals this season have come after halftime.

IUN (1-3-0) pulled within one in the 81st minute and nearly equalized on a free kick from just outside the penalty area that sailed over the crossbar.

The wet conditions made for a faster-paced game as both teams adjusted their defensive approach to handle the increased ball speed on the slick surface.

Connor Shaw was solid between the posts all night for the Trojans, despite the poor conditions, and tallied five saves along with several poised moments directing the back line. The sophomore keeper picked up his sixth career win.

TU outshot the hosts 13-6 in total shots put on goal, including two each from Mapessa, Tadé Adeyemi, Noel Calix and Preston Pfaff.

The Trojans will return to action at 4 p.m. Saturday against Indiana University East, with the match scheduled to be played at Eaton High School in Eaton, Ohio.