GEORGETOWN - Leading 1-0 at halftime, the Southwestern University men's soccer team blew the game wide open in the second half, scoring three goal en rout to a 4-0 win over the Centenary Gents on Sunday afternoon at Varsity Field.
The Pirates were dominant from the first whistle, out shooting the Gents 24-6 as well as a 7-2 advantage in corner kicks.
In the first half, Southwestern was the aggressor, holding a 14-2 advantage in shots as they put pressure all over the Gents defense. The Pirates finally broke through in the 28th minute as junior Jake Swonke scored what would be the game winning goal taking a beautiful shot that kissed off the right post and in for the 1-0 lead. It was Swonke's fifth goal of the year.
It was also the Pirates first first half goal since Septemeber 22nd against Schreiner.
The Pirates took the one goal lead into the break but were far from done, breaking the game open in the second half.
After an aggressive first 15 from the Pirates, sophomore Kip Karschnik found a seam down the sideline and sent a stunning ball to senior Christian Lopez for the finish and the 2-0 lead in the 60th minute.
About five minutes later, the Pirates made it a 3-0 game as sophomore Keenan Anderson took a pass from freshman Jaxon Whittington in the middle of the box and fired away for his second goal of the season and a 3-0 lead.
As Southwestern maintained control throughout the second half, they finish it off on a high note as junior John Garcia found freshman Brendan Dauth for his first career collegiate goal to make it 4-0 in th 86th minute, putting the match to rest and earning the Pirates a much needed win.
The SU defense, led by the likes of sophomore Wil Mekelburg, sophomore Logan Jenkins, and senior Carlos Huntley-Jimenez shut down the Centenary attack all afternoon. Senior Ryan Benner earned the win in goal including a pair of saves.
Southwestern moved to 4-6-3 overall and snaps a four game snid. They are also 2-4-3 in conference play, earning a key win for postseason implications.
The Pirates are back in SCAC action on Friday as they head to Kerrville for a 3 PM matchup against Schreiner University.