MARYVILLE – In an action-packed battle at the MC Soccer Complex, Maryville's offense shined as the Scots defeated Piedmont 4-3 Saturday afternoon.
Three of Maryville's goals in the contest came from individuals who hadn't yet scored in 2023. For two Scots this was the first goal of their collegiate careers.
The Lions were the first to get points on the board, scoring a 15th-minute goal to take the lead 1-0 early.
Less than 10 minutes later, in the 24th minute, Maryville tied the game on a goal by first-year
Tucker Smith. This marks the first goal of Smith's collegiate career.
Craig McIlwraith recorded an assist on the play, his first of three in the game. He now has six assists this season, tying him with Covenant's Kade Theunissen for first in the CCS.
Both teams traded shots back and forth for the remainder of the half but would finish the first 45 minutes of play tied 1-1.
MC wasted no time getting things going in the second half, as
Jorge Graniel found the back of the net for the first time this season in the 47th minute. McIlwraith picked up his second of three assists on the goal.
The Scots doubled their lead in the 58th minute as
Hyatt MacDonald scored his team-leading seventh goal of the season on an assist from McIlwraith.
It seemed like Maryville had finally taken control of the match but less than 60 seconds later, a penalty in the box led to a successful PK in the 59th minute and brought the Lions back within one at 3-2.
In the 81st minute, MC once again pulled away with
Reeves Buecker scoring his first collegiate goal. MacDonald and
Caleb Platillero both were credited with an assist.
Piedmont continued to claw back as the clock wound down in the second half. Davis Knight scored his CCS-high 11th goal of the season in the 87th minute but it was too late as the game ended with Maryville winning the old-fashioned shootout 4-3.
The teams combined for 41 goals as the Scots outshot the Lions 21-20 and recorded 10 shots on goal to Piedmont's five. Maryville also held the advantage in corner kicks 8-6.
MC has one day off before heading back on the road to face off against future CCS foe Asbury Monday night. Kick off is scheduled for 5 p.m.
