The Aquinas men's soccer team survived a tough home battle against visiting Lourdes on Saturday afternoon (Oct. 15) at the AQ Athletic Field, topping the Gray Wolves by a 3-2 final.
Ricardo Rittersberger netted a pair of tallies – including the eventual game-winner – and
Andrea Ghiggini scored on a second half penalty kick to help the Saints move to 5-1-1 in conference action.
With the victory, AQ improves to 8-4-2 overall and have been victorious in five of seven league games. The Saints are unbeaten in their last four WHAC games, outscoring their opponents 10-2 in that span. Lourdes drops to 3-7-4 overall and 1-3-3 in conference play.
It was one of the higher scoring games of the season for Aquinas, as the Saints won for the fifth time in the last seven outings. The game was tied 1-1 at the half, as Rittersberger netted the opening goal in the 12th minute off a nice feed from
Joshua Clemitson. It was his fifth tally of the season.
In the 25th minute, Lourdes tallied the equalizer with a penalty kick goal from Anthony Samuel. The teams took seven shots apiece and went to the intermission tied at 1-1 after 45 minutes.
Less than three minutes into the second half, AQ earned a penalty kick opportunity and Ghiggini converted, putting it in the bottom left corner past the Lourdes keeper for the 2-1 lead. Not even three minutes later,
Mason Sills raced up the right side in front of the Saints bench and placed a beautiful feed into the box and found Rittersberger, who had an easy tap-in goal to build the 3-1 advantage for the home squad.
Lourdes pulled within a goal at 3-2 with just over four minutes to go, scoring on a pass off of a free kick. The Grey Wolves were only able to take one final shot at tying the score, sending a last shot high over the net in the closing seconds, as AQ moved to 5-1-1 in league play.
Aquinas was outshot overall by a 14-11 total, though the Saints notched a 7-5 advantage in shots on target. Lourdes held a 7-5 edge in corners, while AQ was called for 12 fouls to just seven for the Gray Wolves.
Eight yellow cards were handed out in the contest, including four at the same time in a contentious first half. The Saints were dealt six yellow cards.
All four of Rittersberger's shots were on goal, while Jasper Schnikel also attempted three shots. Ghiggini posted a pair of attempts. Rittersberger's six goals are tied for the team-high.
Antonio Strassioto earned the win, making three saves in net for the Saints.
Three of AQ's final four games are on the road, including next Wednesday's (Oct. 19) road contest at Siena Heights. The game is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
