SIOUX CENTER, Iowa – Missouri Baptist Men's Soccer finally found the magic goal touch in the second half on Monday against Dordt (Iowa). After trailing 1-0 at halftime, the Spartans found the back of the net six times in the final 45 minutes for a convincing 6-2 victory.
 
The Spartans dominated possession and had most of the chances in the first half but still found themselves behind after 25 minutes. Dordt goalkeeper Mitch Dryden made 10 saves in the opening period with three other opportunities finding the post or crossbar.
 
The floodgates would finally open in the second half though. The lid-lifter came in the 53^rd minute when Brandon Burton sent Seosamh Sheerin in down the right wing. Sheerin curled a left footed attempt into the far corner to tie the match at one. It was the sophomore from Ireland's second career goal.
 
Six minutes later, Burton was involved again. This time a cross into the penalty area was met by a diving header from Louie Perez. After leading the team in points last season as a freshman, Perez's first goal of 2020 made it 2-1.
 
The golazo continued just over a minute later when a header from Michael Scanlon off a corner found the back of the net. Dordt responded quickly to make it 3-2 but the Spartans pulled away for good in the 67^th minute. Off another corner kick, the ball ricocheted off the hand of a Dordt player. Dom Smith stepped forward and converted the penalty for a 4-2 MBU lead.
 
Perez's second goal made it 5-2 in 80^th minute and Smith's second finished it off in the 85^th. The sophomore captain was taken down just outside the penalty area leading to a free kick from a dangerous position. Smith's attempt eluded the wall setup by the opponent, leaving the goalkeeper, Dryden, with no chance.
 
The Spartans cruised home from there to earn their first victory of the new season. The final shot count finished 32-12 in favor of MBU with 22 attempts on goal. Graduate senior Wessel Berenschot made his debut in goal for the Spartans and finished with six saves.
 
"Performance and commitment to defense was better today," noted Head Coach Jake Alvernia. "We improved a lot from Saturday's performance. It took three halves for us to tie our boots properly and score… very happy with the performance."
 
The Spartans will continue non-conference play next Friday at Missouri Valley. Kickoff in Marshall is scheduled for 3 pm. MBU and MVC last met in the 2018 NAIA National Championship Opening Round. The Vikings got the best of the Spartans that day with a 4-1 final result.