Andrew Shaffer (BGSU Athletics)
EAST LANSING, Mich. – Bowling Green State University men’s soccer standout Andrew Shaffer was named to the College Soccer News National Team of the Week on Monday.
Shaffer, a native of Galena, Ohio (Columbus St. Francis DeSales), came off the bench to score two goals less than nine minutes apart as the Falcons recorded a 3-2, come-from-behind win over Cleveland State in the season opener on Thursday.
The Falcons trailed, 2-1, before Shaffer tied the score in the 64th minute. Then, in the 73rd minute, the sophomore curved a shot into the far upper corner for what proved to be the game-winning goal.
For Shaffer, it was the first multiple-goal match of his young career, and the GWG was his first as a Falcon. That performance gave him 12 points in 12 career matches at BGSU.
On Monday night, Michigan State University scored two goals in the final nine minutes, breaking open a close game and downing the BGSU, 3-0, at DeMartin Stadium.
Efosa Emovon scored late in the first half to give the Spartans (1-0) the lead. The Falcons (1-1) were assessed a red card several minutes later, and played the final 46-plus minutes of the match a man down.
Despite being short-handed, BGSU hung within a goal until the 82nd minute, when MSU doubled the lead on a counterattack. The Spartans would tack on an insurance goal several minutes later.
MSU had a 13-8 advantage in total shots and a 7-2 lead in shots on goal. Perrysburg goalkeeper Brendan Graves (Perrysburg) made four saves, including several stellar stops, on the evening.
The Falcons travel to Pittsburgh for a Thursday night matchup with Duquesne. First touch is set for 7 p.m.
Then, BGSU begins a three-match homestand by hosting Michigan on Labor Day (Monday, Sept. 4). That contest is set for a 3 p.m. start at Cochrane Stadium, and admission is free.
