The Spurgeon College Knights delivered an unparalleled performance on the field, securing a resounding 20-0 win against Trinity Bible in North Dakota. The match showcased an exceptional display of skill and dominance, with Spurgeon College maintaining control from the first whistle to the final moments.

How it Happened:

The game opened with a bang. Just over a minute into the match, Caleb Hawkins' corner kick set up the first goal for Ezra Broadus, with Eduard Mangalagiu providing the assist. Despite an explosive start, Spurgeon slowed, though the team continued to bring the heat against Trinity. At 15:42, Sage Ballard scored, assisted by Rylen Ballard. A few minutes later, Andres Mendoza scored with an assist from Joao Pedro Pereira, making it 3-0. This was followed by additional goals from Sage Ballard at 24:20 and James Nkwanda at 26:33.

As the first half progressed, the Knights continued their onslaught. By halftime, the score had escalated to 9-0 with two more goals from Caleb Hawkins, one more from Sage Ballard at 36:02, and Luke Ottman's first of the match.

When the teams returned to the field, it was clear that the second half would be no different. Rylen Ballard scored twice in quick succession—55:16 and 56:11, both assisted by Nkwanda, taking the Knights to 11-0. Sage Ballard added to the tally seconds later with an assist from Joao Pedro Pereira. A few minutes passed, and Hawkins and Rylen Ballard scored twice more, assisted by Mangalagiu and Jared Dean, respectively.

The Knights' relentless attack. Joao Pedro Pereira scored with an assist from Sage Ballard, followed by Sage Ballard's second goal of the half, assisted by Ethan Amershek. Joao Pedro Pereira scored another goal at 73:47, assisted by Amershek, bringing the score to 17-0. Hawkins brought the score to 18-0 at 79:08, with an assist from Sage Ballard.
In the final minutes, Amershek scored, and Tyler Jones, assisted by Luke Ottman, rounded off the game with a final goal. The Knights sealed an unforgettable 20-0 victory.

Highlights:

• Incoming player, Sage Ballard (12) was a standout performer, scoring five goals with four assists. Returner Caleb Hawkins (10) was also a key player, contributing four goals and one assist, while Rylen Ballard (7) netted three goals and provided one assist.
• Newcomer, Joao Pedro Pereira (6) and second-years James Nkwanda (9) and Ethan Amershek (16) were vital in setting up the team's offensive success. Pereira scored twice and assisted twice, while adding one goal and two assists. Amershek and Nkwanda each took a goal and two assists.
• Despite the overwhelming number of goals, the team maintained their intensity and focus throughout the match, demonstrating a consistent and high level of performance from start to finish.

The Knights' performance was marked by their relentless offense and solid defense. The match demonstrated the Knights' teamwork and persistence that will hopefully be a mark of this season. Even with a substantial lead, Spurgeon College did not ease off until the final whistle. What an exciting start to the Knights' men's soccer season!