COLUMBIA, Ky. – Just three days after clinching the TranSouth regular season title, No. 19 Martin Methodist will close its regular-season campaign on the road in its toughest test of the season against No. 2 Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) Tuesday night.
After a dramatic 1-0 victory on Oct. 27 lifted the RedHawks (11-4) to their first TranSouth regular season title since 2008, the RedHawks will look to bolster their resume for next month's NAIA National Tournament with a win over the Blue Raiders (15-1).
If previous matches are any indicator, Tuesday's match should be highly entertaining. The RedHawks and Blue Raiders have met five of the past six seasons, with the Blue Raiders holding a narrow 3-2 advantage. In the last five meetings, only one match (2008) was decided by more than one goal.
Reigning TSAC Offensive Player of the Week Jonathan Cabale figures to lead the attack for the RedHawks Tuesday night. In his first season at Martin Methodist, Cabale has scored a league-high 11 goals, including six goals in his last four matches.
Leading the charge defensively figures to be Daniel Dunleavy, who anchors a backline that has allowed just 13 goals in 15 matches this season. The reigning TSAC Defensive Player of the Week held the Mid-Continent attack in check during Saturday's 1-0 win, holding the Cougars to just four shots – none of which were on target.
Offensively, the Blue Raiders figure to be led by sophomore Philip Sandgren, who enters Tuesday's contest with an impressive 19 goals scored. The forward has posted five multi-goal games this season, but has been held off the scoresheet in his last three matches.
Defensively, the Blue Raiders have allowed just 11 goals in 16 matches this season, but have allowed goals in their previous two matches. Most recently, the Blue Raiders knocked off No. 20 Bethel (Tenn.), who finished runner up in the TSAC regular season standings.
Kickoff in Tuesday's match is set for 7 p.m. Live stats and live video of the match will be provided by LWC Athletics and can be found below.
LIVE STATS
LIVE VIDEO
