Franklin, IN – Alma College Men's Soccer extended their winning streak to five games with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Franklin College on Sunday, September 22, 2024, away at Faught Stadium. The Scots' defense and explosive second-half attack proved too much for the Grizzlies.
Alma fell behind in the first half, conceding a free kick goal to Franklin. Despite the early setback, the Scots remained resilient, keeping the deficit at one going into halftime.
The second half saw a revitalized Alma side. In the 51st minute,
Mateo Cianci and
Tatenda Mukudu had a dangerous combination that ended up hitting the opposition team's hand in the box, resulting in in a penalty kick. Cianci calmly wrong footed the Grizzlies' goalkeeper, placing the ball into the right side of the net. This converted penalty kick marked Cianci's fourth goal of the season, tying the match 1-1.
Alma's offense continued to pressure Franklin's defense, and the breakthrough came in the 63rd minute when
CJ Fritz fired a shot past the goalkeeper. Fritz also added a second insurance goal in the 87th minute off an assist from
Ethan Swartzentruber, securing the Scots' 3-1 lead. This pair of goals is Fritz's first and second goal for the Scots.
Alma dominated the stat sheet, registering 25 shots with 12 on target, while Franklin managed 13 shots, with 8 on target. Alma's goalkeeper,
Grant Kaifas made 6 saves on the day and his record improves to 2-0-0 in net as a Scot.
The win improves Alma's record to 6-2-0 and fifth straight win. The Scots return home to face Illinois Institute of Technology on Wednesday, September 25 at Scotland Yard.
