No. 8 Statesmen Power Past Graceland, 3-1

Oskaloosa--The No. 8 William Penn men's soccer team controlled the match from start to finish, earning a 3-1 victory over Graceland Wednesday night in Heart of America Athletic Conference action.

The Statesmen (5-1-3, 3-0-2 Heart) owned a 12-7 edge in total shots, while both sides finished with four on target.

Albert Feixas (So., Santa Coloma de Farners, Spain, Exercise Science) opened the scoring in the 21st minute, heading home a long ball from Javier Perez (Fr., Alicante, Spain, Business Management).

Despite generating six more first-half chances, the Statesmen carried only a 1-0 lead into halftime.

William Penn doubled its advantage in the 62nd minute as Angel Valdez (So., Mexicali, Mexico, Nursing) delivered a cross to Hector Bastos (Fr., Vittoria, Spain, Computer Science), who redirected it into the net.

The Yellowjackets (3-4-1, 2-2-0 Heart) answered four minutes later to cut the margin to one, but the Statesmen quickly responded.

Captain John-Joe Mullane (Sr., Kent, England, Sports Management) found Mathis Thyli (So., Raufoss, Norway, Business Management) in space, and Thyli buried the opportunity at the 70th minute to restore the two-goal cushion.

William Penn created six second-half chances, including an unsuccessful penalty kick, but the three-goal effort was more than enough. 

Rob Stoop (So., Bosch en Duin, Netherlands, Exercise Science) paced the offense with two shots.

"We didn't score enough at the start of the season, and I think all of the work we have been putting in outside of matches is paying off now," said Thyli. "Our system is going to lead to a lot of success."

"I think it was a great game and we are really happy with the result," added Bastos. "I was anxious at the start, but I expect to score more goals and help the team."

"The shift in mindset from complacency with last year to showing our aggression as a new team is important," said Head Coach Joe Minton. "I am more than happy with these boys and how they have completely shifted their mindset."

Up Next: William Penn travels to Atchison, Kan., to face Benedictine Saturday at 7:30 p.m.