Air Force Academy
Drake University
Falcon Men's Soccer Blanks Drake, 2-0
9/1/2017 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo. - A pair of goals lifted the Falcons to a 2-0 shutout over the Drake Bulldogs (0-2), Friday evening, at Cadet Soccer Stadium. James Sims and Luis Martinez recorded their first goals of the season in the Falcons' third-straight home win.
The first strike of the game was initiated by Tucker Bone's corner kick in the 28th minute, which was sent across the box, slightly redirected by Nick Blessing's header and punched in by Sims from 10 yards out. Bone and Blessing recorded their first assists of the season.
The Falcons entered the locker room at half with the lead and the advantage in shots, 5-2. The Falcons are now 3-0 when scoring first and leading at the half.
In the 85th minute, Martinez found space atop the Bulldog's box and took the opportunity on a 23-yard chip shot that sailed over Caden McCullough's head and into the back of the net, extending the lead, 2-0.
At the final horn, Air Force led Drake in shots, 14-4, shots on goal, 9-2, and corner kicks, 6-4. Sophomore goalkeeper Andrea Seazzu recorded the shutout in his first career start at Air Force. Seazzu registered two saves in 90 minutes spent in the cage. McCullough recorded seven saves against nine shots faced.
Blessing led the team with three shots, while three other Falcons recorded two shots apiece. Blessing and Austin Dewing led the team with two shots on goal apiece.
"I wasn't thrilled with the way we came out," said head coach Doug Hill. "We made big improvements in the second half by containing the ball and getting the movement and possessions that we were looking for."
"Luis Martinez hit a heck of a shot and we're feeling good about being 3-0," continued Hill. "But Sunday brings in another test and it's not going to be easy. We're going to enjoy the win tonight and refocus our preparation for a tougher match on Sunday."
The Falcons continue action at home with a Sunday matchup against the Furman Paladins, 12:00 p.m. MT, at Cadet Soccer Stadium.
