Gophers Jumped on Early by Bears in 4-1 Setback

TOWSON, Md. -- A three-goal outburst in the first half from visiting Ursinus was too much for the Goucher men's soccer team to overcome, as the Gophers dropped a 4-1 decision to the Bears tonight at Beldon Field.

Ursinus' three goals came 12 minutes apart in the opening 45. Kevin Tonkovich (Lacey, N.J./Lacey Twp.) converted a penalty kick in the 68th minute to get the Gophers back in it, but the Bears responded with a penalty kick of their own six minutes later to put the game out of reach.

Goucher (6-5-1), had difficulty containing Ursinus midfielder Ryan Molyneaux in the first half. Molyneaux opened up the scoring with a long-distance blast 13:39 into the match, and he set up goals by Dean DerSimonian and Wyatt Powell shortly afterwards.

The Gophers came out strong to start the second half, generating the first seven shots of the frame. Tonkovich's penalty came after an Ursinus foul during a scramble off a corner kick, and it was his third goal of the season. Tonkovich and Tate Becker (San Diego, Calif./Scripps Ranch) each had four shots to lead Goucher.

Shots between the two teams were even at 13 apiece, while both sides also managed seven corner kicks. Freshman Michael Layer (Columbia, S.C./Hammond School) made two saves in his first collegiate start.

The Gophers return to Landmark Conference action this Saturday with a 3:30 p.m. matchup at Juniata. The Eagles (9-2-1, 1-0 Landmark) will be playing their first match since Oct. 1.