Taylor Falls 2-1 to RV Spring Arbor Despite Late Rally
October 4, 2025

Taylor Falls 2-1 to RV Spring Arbor Despite Late Rally

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UPLAND, Ind. – Taylor's second-half rally fell short Saturday night as the Trojans dropped a 2-1 Crossroads League men's soccer match to receiving votes Spring Arbor in front of a packed Homecoming crowd at Turner Stadium.

The Trojans (7-4-1, 1-2-1 CL) couldn't overcome a two-goal first-half deficit despite outshooting the Cougars 12-6 after the break and controlling play for most of the final 45 minutes.

SAU (7-5-1, 2-1-1 CL) opened the scoring in the 11th minute when David Magalhaes's header attempt deflected off a Taylor defender for an own goal following a corner kick.

The Cougars doubled their advantage in the 28th minute. Lama ripped a breakaway shot attempt that was stopped by TU goalkeeper Connor Shaw, but SAU's Alex Murphy was able to mop up the rebound and extended the lead to 2-0 before halftime.

SAU goalkeeper Jack Cristini made three first-half saves as the Cougars controlled the opening 45 minutes, limiting the Trojans to one shot.

Then, TU flipped the momentum after the break, outshooting Spring Arbor 12-6 in the second half. The Trojans generated sustained pressure with five corner kicks but struggled to convert chances.

Caleb Van Dop pulled one back for the Trojans in the 67th minute, finishing off an assist from Brock Carpenter for his first goal of the season.

Taylor continued to press for the equalizer.

Giulio Mapessa forced Cristini into saves with headers in the 56th and 85th minutes, while Matt Yoder sent three header attempts off target in the closing stages.

Carlos Sanabria tested Cristini twice in the second half, including a 57th-minute attempt that required a save, as the Trojans earned three more corners in the final 20 minutes.

SAU absorbed the pressure and protected the lead despite being outshot 13-12 overall. Cristini finished with three saves for the Cougars, while Shaw made four stops for the home side.

TU returns to action next Saturday at No. 19 Marian for a 3 p.m. match.