Hernandez strike gives #7 MSoccer season opening win over Bridgewater State

Photo by Sportspix.com
Photo by Sportspix.com

WALTHAM, Mass. – Brandeis University men's soccer sophomore Christian Hernandez (Revere, Mass./ Lawrence Academy) fired a strike in the 81st minute to give the 7th-ranked Judges a 1-0 win over Bridgewater State University in the season opener.

Having no clear passing targets, Hernandez saw an opening in the net and pulled the trigger from 25 yards out for his first collegiate goal in his fourth start.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

  • Bridgewater State mounted an attack late, forcing a corner kick in the 88th minute, but could not convert as the Judges held on.
  • In his first start, Brandeis sophomore goalkeeper Ben Woodhouse (Suffield, Conn./Suffield) had three saves and earned his first collegiate win and shutout.
  • BSU's Colin Jepson had two stops in the losing effort.
  • The Judges outshot Bridgewater State, 14-7, though shots on goal were 3-all.
  • Josh Ocel (North Attleboro, Mass./Worcester Acad.) had five shots to lead Brandeis, Filipe Gomes 4 for the Bears.
  • The Judges had the best opportunity to score in the first half when a header by junior Zach Vieira (Andover, Mass./Brooks School)  from six yards away sailed high of the net.

COVEN'S CORNER

  • The win was No. 496 in the career of head coach Mike Coven
  • In his 43rd season, Coven is looking to become the sixth Division III coach and 11th overall in NCAA history with 500 career wins
  • He is the second longest-tenured active coach in college soccer behind Tony Tocca of D2 Rockford.

UP NEXT

Brandeis is back in action Friday, Sept. 4 when they take on Hardin-Simmons in San Antonio, Texas. They will also face #6-ranked Trinity University on Saturday. 

- Emmett Greenberg '16