Stewart Gives No. 1 Knights Opening Match Victory

By Devon Douglas

Wichita, Kan. – Top seeded CCBC Essex won its first pool play match of the NJCAA Division II Men's Soccer Championships yesterday 1-0 on an 86^th minute goal off the left foot of back Ethan Stewart (Fairfax, Va.).

The freshman defender won the game for the Knights after he volleyed the ball into the bottom left corner of the goal

The play started with sophomore midfielder Andy Portillo (Laurel, Md.), as he got a cross into the box. The Hawks failed to clear the ball and it fell right to Stewart's feet for the finish.

"Honestly, I didn't have to do much," Stewart said. "I was fortunate enough to have the ball fall in the perfect spot for me to hit it one time. You could say I was just in the right place at the right time."

Both teams had their fair share of possessions and chances on goal. The Knights (17-1) tallied 17 shots throughout the match versus just 12 from Heartland 12.

The first half was slow for both teams, with few chances.

Heartland (10-7-1) had opportunities in front of the Knights goal, but failed to find the net.

A promising chance came for the Hawks midway through the second half, as the ball got passed the Knights sophomore goalie Brenden LeMaster (Bowie, Md.). However, the ball was quickly cleared off the line by a Knights defender.

LeMaster had an impressive performance, finishing with five save to preserve the shutout.

The Knights back four also did well to stop any quality threats from Heartland.

Next Up

The Knights take on Carl Sandburg College on Wednesday in their final pool match of the tournament.

With a win, the Knights will advance to their second consecutive national semifinal. Kick-off is scheduled for 12 p.m. Watch live at https://www.njcaa.org/network/landing/index.