Vangaurd Rout San Jose Christian In Opener

5-0 victory to begin season; Sam and Jason Koopmans score two goals apiece

- Redding, CA (9/18/2003)

After five solid weeks of practice and having two scheduled games re-scheduled, the Simpson men's soccer team finally got their 2003 season kicked off.  And were they ever ready. 

Playing in near 100 degree heat on Thursday afternoon, the Vanguards, drubbed visiting San Jose Christian 5-0 to begin their year.

Simpson would dominate from the onslaught and took a 1-0 lead four minutes into the game on a goal from Sam Koopmans (So., Auburn, CA).  Koopmans scored easily on a crossing pass from teammate James Gregory (So., Sacramento, CA).  Gregory would later score a goal of his own at the 35-minute mark and take the Vanguards into the half up 2-0.

The Vanguards would dominate the second half as Koopmans would score his second goal of the game to put the Vanguards up comfortably 3-0.  Jason Koopmans (Fr., Santa Cruz) would come off the bench and score two goals in the last seven minutes for the final 5-0 margin.

Despite the 5-0 victory, second year head coach Lee McKenzie was able to find areas of improvement and was less than pleased with the overall performance from his team. 

"We played a fairly lackluster game and wasted a lot of good opportunities that we will need to take advantage of against other opponents", stated McKenzie.  "The passing and final ball had a lot to be desired and we will need to improve."

The Vanguards will return to action tomorrow afternoon as they take on Cal State Maritime in a 3pm contest.