Box Score Maryville College freshman Johnny Rakhmonberdiev, in his first collegiate start, delivered a goal and an assist to lift the Scots past Roanoke College 4-0 in a tough non-conference match on Wednesday evening on MC's campus pitch.
The eventual game-winner came off the foot of Caleb Lucas in the sixth minute of action. From the left, Tim Baker found Lucas and the All-American dribbled past a pair of defenders unleashing a shot that hit the upper cross bar and crossed the plane, recording his 15th goal of the season. Baker's assist was his 8th of the season.
Just 11-minutes later, Baker lofted a corner kick with Lucas trapping the ball and passing to a streaking Rakhmonberdiev. The rookie from Seymour, Tennessee blasted a left-footer past Maroon keeper Nick Tadros.
With a 2-0 advantage, Maryville attacked the second half out shooting Roanoke 9-2 to close the match.
In the 85th minute Rakhmonberdiev placed a header pass to Michael Quatrano for the third goal of the evening. Quatrano's goal connected with the lower left just out of reach of the diving Maroon keeper.
"I am super excited today and proud that I can help the team in any way," stated Rakhmonberdiev. "Michael's goal is more important than mine and I'm happy to help. I have not played soccer in two years and I am beginning to feel comfortable and learning every day."
Four minutes later, Tim Baker secured his 9th assist of the season with a heal flick pass to Bret Thomas. Thomas hit the upper right of the net for his third goal of the season.
The shutout was MC's fourth of the season with Ryan Jorgensen earning the victory in net. The Scots defense led by Aaron Rummel, Chris Fernandez, Nate Long, Jameson Elmore, and Thomas Palmer allowed Roanoke (5-4-1) only a pair of shots on goal.
Maryville advances to 10-2 on the season and will have the weekend off. They will prepare to host Averett and William Peace next weekend for key USA South challenges.
