The Ottawa University men’s soccer team heads to the University of Saint Mary on Saturday for a 3:30 pm matchup against the Spires.
With a record of 5-2-1, the Braves are off their best start since 2012. Ottawa currently is in first place in the KCAC standings, with the best record of any conference team and a 2-0 start to conference play. The Braves boast wins against Sterling and Kansas Wesleyan in their last two matches.
The Spires are not off to a bad start themselves, with a 4-1-2 record. USM has not last since a 3-1 defeat to Park on Sep. 7th, going on a four-game unbeaten run with three wins and a 1-1 draw to McPherson in their last match. The Braves will have to keep an eye out for a pretty potent Spires offense that includes six players with at least two goals, led the way by Gustavo Freitas with five goals.
Bence Molnar scored his eighth goal of the season against Sterling, and is currently the leading goal scorer in the KCAC. Molnar’s four assists is also tied for the KCAC’s best mark, which gives him a league leading 20 points on the season. The goal against Sterling marked his 20th goal in just 26 career games at Ottawa.
Molnar is not alone, with a quality supporting cast around him. Slobodan Novecic has benefited from playing alongside Molnar, who is also top five in the KCAC in goals and assists, ranking third in the KCAC with 13 points.
With the depth and quality on offense, fifth year senior Jonathan Rawayo comes in frequently as a super sub. On defense, the combination of Patrick Wyatt and Filippo Della Pasqua at center back has been solid. Outside back Owain Parker has shown his willingness to join the attack with two assists so far this season. Captain Jack Hatswell does his thing at central midfield, dictating much of the play for the Braves. Zac Wilson is another solid defensive presence in the midfield who can also play center back when needed.
Up Next: The Braves return to AdventHealth field on Wednesday, Sep. 28th, hosting the Tabor Bluejays at 5 p.m.
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