NORTHFIELD, Minn. – Riley Phelps (Sr./Bowling Green, Ky./Bowling Green) scored two goals and assisted on another as the Carleton College men’s soccer team secured a 3-0 triumph over Minnesota-Morris in the season opener for both squads.
It took more than half of the opening period for the Knights (1-0-0) to register their initial shot of the campaign, but Carleton ended up scoring three times on only four shots over a nine-minute stretch midway through the opening half to seize control of the contest. The Knights finished with a 14-2 edge in shots.
In the 25th minute, Danny Leal (Sr./Rice Lake, Wis./Rice Lake) played the ball to Phelps, who was left unmarked about 25 yards from the goal. After a settling touch, Phelps powered a long-range blast into the right side of the goal.
Eight minutes later, Phelps won a header at midfield to spring Leal for a breakaway. The senior forward elected to go with a chip shot over Cougar keeper Cody Christ and registered his 10th career goal.
Only another 70 seconds passed before the Carleton advantage increased to 3-0. A through ball from Mikkel Sawyer (Fy./Red Wing, Minn./St. Paul Central) found the feet of Phelps, who converted for his first career multi-goal effort.
Goalkeepers Brandon Hilliard (Jr./Anoka, Minn./Totino Grace) and Aidan Mullan (Jr./Iowa City, Iowa/Regina) combined on the shutout for the Knights, who will be back in action on Saturday, Sept. 3 for a 2 p.m. home contest versus Luther College. Knights Online will provide live video/stats of that match.
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