Men's Soccer Wins Opener

(LEAVENWORTH, Kans., Sept. 1) - The William Woods University men's soccer team opened the 2009 season with an impressive 4-1 victory over the University of St. Mary this afternoon.

Sophomore Ruben Ramirez (Miami, Fla.) put the Owls on the board first in the opening half.  Ramirez scored in the 11th minute to give William Woods an early 1-0 lead.  USM answered on a goal from freshman Jake Willie (Kansas City, Kans.) in the 41st minute.  The Owls and Spires went to the half tied 1-1.

WWU senior Steve Brocks (Portsmouth, England) scored in the 77th minute on an assist from senior Oliver Dyson (Newark, England).  Brocks returned the favor by assisting on a goal from Dyson in 84th minute to push the William Woods lead to 3-1.  Junior Dirk Bauer (Kansas City, Mo.) added a goal in the 89th minute to secure the first victory of the season for the Owls.

Goalie Nate Thackeray (Manchester, England) recorded six saves in the victory. Thackeray and Zack Johnson (St. Peters, Mo.) each recorded an assist for the Owls. WWU improves to 1-0 on the season.  USM falls to 0-1 on the season.

William Woods will return to action on September 5th, at Missouri Valley College.