Temple University Athletics
Men's Soccer Captures Drexel Invitational Tournament
9.9.07 | Men's Soccer
Sept. 9, 2007
PHILADELPHIA - The Temple men's soccer team erupted for three goals and junior sweeper Mackenson Altidor led the Owls defense in a 3-0 win over Howard Sunday afternoon. With the win, the Owls captured the championship of the Drexel Invitational Tournament and improved to 2-1-1 on the season.
Altidor, a transfer from Northern Oklahoma Junior College, earned Tournament Defensive MVP honors. He was joined on the all-tournament team by sophomore teammates J.T. Noone and Martin Dell'Archiprete, and senior goalkeeper Trevor Lyman.
"Mackeson did a tremendous job of anchoring our defensive efforts this weekend," Temple head coach David MacWilliams. "His play was even more valuable as we were down two defensive starters."
MacWilliams was referring to starting keeper Tony Pratico, who missed Sunday's game with a groin injury, and junior back James Suevo, who missed the entire tournament due to a knee injury.
Lyman, who transferred from Saint Joseph's following the 2005 season, was seeing his first action as an Owl, and making his first start since his freshman season at SJU in 2004. He made three saves on the day.
"It is always tough and he had to be nervous," MacWilliams said. "However he responded and played well. He made a couple of key saves and really took control in the box."
Freshman Max Kinderwater opened the scoring with his first collegiate goal in the 14th minute with assists coming from senior David Suah and sophomore Francois Sagna. The Owls offense peppered Howard goalkeeper Chris Taylor all afternoon, firing 17 of their 28 shots in the first half. Taylor, who made seven of his 10 saves in the first 45 minutes, did not allow another tally before intermission.
Senior Mike Minai made it 2-0 with his first goal of the season coming in the 62nd minute with an assist from sophomore J.T. Noone. Freshman Greg Strompolos finished the scoring in the 83rd minute, his first collegiate goal, with Minai and Kinderwater assisting on the play.
"We played really well offensively," said Temple head coach David MacWilliams. "Obviously when you get five guys scoring it builds confidence. It will also be a help as we move forward."
Temple travels to Norfolk, Va. for the Old Dominion Tournament next weekend. The Owls open with William & Mary Friday (4:30 p.m.) before taking on host ODU on Sunday (2:30 p.m.).
