KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (September 22, 2021) - The Truett McConnell University men's soccer team competed against Appalachian Athletic Conference opponent, Johnson University, where the Bears came with an aggression to play, leading to a 5-0 victory. The Bears rose to a record of 2-2-2, 1-2 AAC, while the Royals fell to a record of 1-3, 0-3 AAC.
 
PLAY-BY-PLAY
The Bears were aggressive from the start with Hebert Lima taking a shot on goal within the first three minutes of regulation. The Bears continued to attack with a total of six shots, three on goal within the first 11 minutes of regulation. The Bears rallied together four corner kicks before the first goal came from Callum Smith in the 24th minute (1-0). The Royals continued to play defense, but the Bears remained aggressive, with another goal by Grant Farrell in the 33rd minute (2-0).
 
In the second half, TMU remained resilient on offense. In the 60th minute, Lima scored his first goal of the night (3-0). Marco Vernazza was quick to follow, capable of finding the back of the net to record the fourth goal of the game (4-0). The last goal of the night came in the 67th minute off the foot of Smith (5-0). The Royals fought hard with two shots on goal and a corner kick, but ultimately fell to the Bears with a final score of 5-0.
 
LEADERS
Most notable, TMU outshot Johnson with 47 shots, 24 on goal, opposed to five shots, two on goal.
Smith led the way with two goals and 12 shots, while Lima recorded a single goal, along with eight shots, four on goal. Vernazza had one goal and four shots, two on goal, followed by Farrell who had one goal of his own. Justin Hicks had six shots, with two on goal, while goalie Riley Powers recorded two saves on the night.
 
UP NEXT
The Bears will return home on Saturday, Sept. 25, inside the TMU Soccer/Lacrosse Complex to face AAC competitor, Columbia International University, with a kickoff time of 6:00 PM.