Maple Leafs stumble on the pitch

Having a young core of players, the Geneseo soccer team has started the season with some growing pains.

Moline at Geneseo

Geneseo’s defense held up well early in the first half, but the Maroons earned a 3-1 victory over the Maple Leafs at the Geneseo Soccer Pitch on Aug. 22.

Moline controlled possession for most of the first half but was unable to score until the 27th minute of the match.

Clayton Blondell scored to give the Maroons a 1-0 lead before halftime.

Moline expanded its lead with a score from Manny Raya just a few minutes into the second half.

The Leafs responded with a goal from Alexander Phillipson with an assist from Zach Cowan in the 50th minute.

However, Moline tacked on a goal in the 66th minute on a penalty kick by Jake White.

Geneseo’s Zach Bauer finished with three saves.

Geneseo at United Township

A four-goal second half powered United Township past the Maple Leafs 6-0 at the Panther Pitch on Aug. 23.

The Panthers’ Arafath Ouro Gnao scored four goals.

Geneseo’s next matches will be at the Urbana Tournament starting on Friday, Aug. 31 at 4:30 p.m.