Trojans Rally Past Lourdes 2-1, Improve to Historic 5-1 Start
| Final | 1 | 2 | T |
|---|---|---|---|
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0 | 1 | 1 |
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0 | 2 | 2 |
Team Stats
Lourdes
| Game Statistics | Lourdes | Taylor |
|---|---|---|
| Shots (on goal) | 10 (5) | 12 (6) |
| Saves | 4 | 4 |
| Fouls | 16 | 8 |
| Corner Kicks | 2 | 6 |
| Offsides | 1 | 3 |
UPLAND, Ind. — Justin Devlin converted a 74th-minute penalty kick to complete Taylor's comeback from a one-goal deficit, lifting the Trojans to a 2-1 victory over Lourdes on Wednesday night at Turner Stadium.
The victory improved Taylor's record to 5-1-0, matching the program's best start through six games since consecutive 5-1-0 campaigns in 2011 and 2012. The win also marked their third consecutive victory over Lourdes.
After a scoreless first half, Lourdes (4-2-0) struck first when Jannik Hofmann headed home his seventh goal in six games during the 54th minute. The deficit marked only the second time this season Taylor had trailed, but it wouldn't last long.
The Trojans responded with increased attacking pressure and found the equalizer in the 65th minute. Tadé Adeyemi volleyed home a perfectly placed cross from Levi Kelly to level the score at 1-1. The goal marked Adeyemi's third of the season and Kelly's team-leading third assist.
Taylor earned the decisive penalty kick following a defensive breakdown in Lourdes' penalty area nine minutes later. Devlin stepped up and calmly converted his second penalty goal in consecutive matches, sending the Turner Stadium supporters into a frenzy.
The goal marked Devlin's third consecutive match with a point since returning to the starting lineup, highlighting his impact in the Trojans' recent surge.
Sophomore goalkeeper Connor Shaw anchored Taylor's defensive effort with four saves, extending his impressive early-season form. Shaw has now recorded 16 saves through six matches, surpassing his 14 saves from the first six games of last season.
Taylor held slight advantages with a 12-10 edge in shots and 6-2 advantage in corner kicks.
Taylor concludes its non-conference schedule with road matches at Aquinas on Saturday and Indiana University Columbus next Wednesday. The Trojans return home on Sept. 24 to open Crossroads League play against No. 10 Bethel at 7 p.m. inside Turner Stadium.
