Anderson Battles Past Manchester in Key HCAC Matchup

The Anderson University men's soccer team continued their winning streak on Wednesday as they defeated Manchester University 2-0 on Fridley Field. Anderson saw two goals in the second half to continue its winning and unbeaten streak inside the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC). During halftime of the contest, the Ravens honored their only senior Drew Sonnefeldt (Lisle, Ill. / Lisle).

With the win, Anderson (8-6-2, 5-0-2) has clinched a top 3 seed in the HCAC Tournament and the right to host an HCAC postseason match during the six-team tournament. The Ravens are currently in third in the conference standings.

Coming into the game, the Ravens have been on a winning streak, as well as an unbeaten streak. Wednesday's game extended the Ravens winning streak to five, and their unbeaten streak to seven marking the first time either have been accomplished since the 2013 season.

First half action saw a majority of midfield play between the Ravens (8-6-2, 5-0-2) and the Spartans (6-8-1, 3-4). Manchester was able to break away three times in the first 15 minutes to rip off a shot. The Ravens defense would block the first, Danny Moro-Medina (Goshen, ind. / Goshen) saved the second, his only save of the match, and the Spartans third shot was high right of the goal. The Spartans would get one more shot in the 18^th minute but nothing would come from it. Anderson would get a final shot off in the first half off of Stephen Fite (Cincinnati, Ohio / Homeschool) in the 25^th minute. Before the half ended, Usman Kamara (Indianapolis, Ind. / Franklin Central) would take his chance at goal, but sent the ball high. Heading into halftime, both teams were tied 0-0.

At halftime of Wednesday's match, the Ravens honored Drew Sonnefeldt, their only senior of the 2021-2022 season. Coming into the match, Drew had started in 53 of the 72 matches he has played in. In his career Sonnefeldt has recorded 5,067 minutes of play and has racked up four goals, two assists, 121 intercepts, and 58 steals. Anderson University congratulates Drew on his accomplishment and contributions as a Ravens on and off the field during his career.

Coming out of the half, the Ravens were hungry to get more shots with hopes of finding the back of the net. It wouldn't take long to do so. Just three minutes into the half Stephen Fite would take a shot, sending the ball over the goal. Then, eight minutes later at the 56^th minute mark, the Ravens would take the lead. The play started with Usman Kamara receiving the ball just past half-field as the Ravens cleared the ball out of their defense. Kamara then turned with the ball and sent the ball forward as Jordan Bossman (Gahanna, Ohio / Westerville North) was making an overlapping run. With the ball going forward, Bossman would use his speed to get past the Spartan defenders and beat everyone to the ball. Bossman then took one touch to send the ball closer to goal. With the Spartan goalkeeper coming out, Bossman beat him to the ball and slid the ball on his inside into the opposite side goal post and into the goal.

The game continued as the Ravens looked to add another goal. Anderson would only take two more shots before the 82^nd minute. At that time, Stephen Fite extended the Ravens lead to 2-0. The goal came off a double assist by Usman Kamara and Victor Silva (Paramount, Calif. / St. Matthias Catholic). Kamara found himself with the ball and was able to beat his defender and sent the ball forward to Victor Silva who was waiting just inside the 18-yard box. Silva's only touch went across the goal, in front of the diving goalkeeper to Stephen Fite. Fite volleyed the bouncing ball off his left foot, sending the ball towards the goal. The ball hit just under the crossbar, making it bounce straight down into the goal. After 90 minutes of play, the Ravens would walk away with a 2-0 victory.

Anderson ended the game leading the Spartans eight shots to four, not allowing Manchester a single shot in the second half. Both of the Ravens only shots on goal found their way into the back of the net. Stephen Fite led the Ravens in shots, taking four on the day with his goal being the only one on frame. Jordan Bossman had two shots, with his goal also being his only shot on frame. Matthew Murray (Indianapolis, Ind. / Pike), and Usman Kamara each took one shot. Drew Vaughn (Beavercreek, Ohio / Beavercreek) led the Ravens with three intercepts while Fite and Caleb Gonser (Terre Haute, Ind. / Terre Haute South) shared the team lead in steals with three apiece.

Coach Scott Fridley had this to say after the game: "Sometimes we start slow and it could have cost us early. Manchester is a tough team to solve and they will bury you if you're not careful. We played well for about 20 minutes in the first half, but we were able to keep the ball and be patient in the second half. A better second half showed composer players and a couple of nice goals. I am proud of the boys and their willingness to listen and keep learning. Jordan [Bossman] had a nice finish to get us on the board and Stephen [Fite] was in the right place to get an insurance goal. Onto the next day."

Coach Fridley also had these comments on senior Drew Sonnefeldt: "We will miss Drew. He has been a solid and steady contributor over his time at AU.  He has been very versatile and been asked to play many positions and has scored a few nice goals as well when given the chance to be in the offense. Drew is a great kid that loves his teammates and wants to compete at the highest level he can. Drew is well liked by everyone and will be hard to replace. A great young man from a great family. I wish him the best moving forward. I know he will be successful no matter where he lands and will be loved by his colleagues. I want to thank his family for all their support over the years and thousands of miles driven to support Drew and the team."

With the regular season coming to an end soon, the Ravens find themselves on the road for their last two games. Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology (10-4-1, 7-0) currently leads the conference standings while Hanover College (10-4-1, 6-1) holds second. On Saturday, the Ravens are heading to Hanover to take on the Hanover Panthers in HCAC action. Kickoff is set for 3:30PM.