Steven Evans, Campus Carrier Sports Editor
The Vikings soccer team has started the season at 2-0 after defeating the Piedmont College Lions (0-2) with a score of 4-0 on Sunday. Just two days before their victory over the Lions, the Lady Vikings defeated the Louisiana College Wildcats (2-1) with a score of 4-0 as well.
Sunday’s game against the Lions started out slow for the Vikings, as they only held a 1-0 lead at halftime. Their lone goal in the first half came from a shot by senior midfielder Josh Hughes after assists by junior forward Christian Fulbright and sophomore defender Evan Echols.
“We were really excited about the game,” Fulbright said. “The competition wasn’t what we were hoping it to be, but we are looking forward to the upcoming games. We hope that the upcoming games will be a challenge so that we can see what we can do. We are really looking forward to seeing how far we can go this season.
Following the halftime break, the Vikings found a stronger pace and scored three more goals to close the game.
The first of the three goals in the second half came from Fulbright who as assisted by sophomore forward Caleb Lucas. Freshman midfielder Christian Zapata tacked on the next goal for the Vikings, and junior midfielder Zak Willingford put the game out of reach with the Vikings’ fourth and final goal.
Sophomore goalkeeper Logan Hill was the starting goalie for the Vikings and earned the win. Fellow sophomore goalkeeper Zachary Wroblewski played the second half to seal the shutout.
“It has been a good season so far,” junior defender Matt Williams said. “Everybody looks like they are in shape. We are coming off of a great season from last year as conference champions. We also have some solid recruits. It looks like a promising season so far.”
The Vikings will take the field again on Saturday against the St. Olaf College lions in the Sewanee Tournament in Sewanee, Tennessee. Following their game on Saturday, the Vikings will play the University of the Ozarks Eagles on Sunday.
“We don’t know too much about St. Olaf, except they have a different style of play,” Fulbright said. “I expect the games this weekend to be winnable. We know what our expectations are and how to meet them, and we intend on delivering.”