Lee University photo
FORMER CLEVELAND High player Sias Reyneke goes flying in the air after contact with a Pfeiffer University player. Reyneke had Lee University’s only two goals in the 2-0 victory over the North Carolina visitors.
Reyneke tallied the only score the Flames would need in the 21st minute. He blasted a 20-yard shot into the far corner of the net after picking up an assist from Theo Dwen. Lee had several other opportunities to put more points on the board in the opening half, but failed to convert.
At the same time the Flames were turning away any scoring attempts by the Falcons. In fact, Lee’s midfielders and backs controlled the majority of the match, much like they have in recent wins. Ben Perez produced two saves as the Flames posted their fourth shutout in six starts.
Reyneke countered again in the opening minute of the second 45 minutes. Sebastain Vallejo delivered a cross from the wing to the ever-present Reyneke, who put the contest out of reach for the visitors. “I was happy to see Sias score a couple of goals,” said first-year coach Paul Furey. “It is important that he and Josh (Ball) get goals. They are our front runners.”
The veteran coach wasn’t totally pleased with the entire night. “It was a nice win,” he added, “but we did not play our best soccer. However, the mark of a good team is to find a way to win when you are not as sharp as you should be. We were able to use a lot of players and that is always good.”
The Flames had 16 shots, but only four were on goal, a stat that concerned Furey. The Falcons managed just three shots in the entire second half and 10 for the match.
Furey reminded his Flames after Friday’s win over the NCAA Division II club that he said after the opening loss to Rio Grande that they needed to be 5-1 going into conference play. “You did that,” he noted. “The real season begins next weekend. We’ve got to make sure our focus is on Spring Hill next Friday.”
After facing Spring Hill, the Flames must turn right around and face No. 1 Mobile on Saturday in the SSAC Cross-Over series.
