JACKSON, Tenn. — Mississippi College defeated Union University 4-1 on Sunday at the Smith Memorial Soccer Complex. The Choctaws scored all four of their goals in the first half, with the winning goal coming early in the match. Union managed a single goal in the second half, but The Blue and Gold's defense held firm, with their goalkeeper making 10 saves over the course of the game.

Mississippi College opened the scoring against Union with a goal by Russell Berko, assisted by Patrick Vukoje, in the 5th minute. Berko added another goal in the 17th minute, this time with an assist from Cole Turner, to extend the lead. Alvaro Pena increased the lead to 3-0 in the 28th minute with help from Luke Nolan. Benjamin Ellis capped the first half with a fourth goal in the 34th minute, assisted by Berko. The Choctaws led 4-0 at the end of the first half.

Union managed to put a goal on the board in the second half with Luca Pereira scoring in the 55th minute, assisted by Noel Pataki. Despite this effort, the home team was unable to close the gap as MC maintained their 4-1 lead. Mississippi College's goalkeeper, Santiago Dominguez, was instrumental in preserving the lead, saving multiple shots, including those from Wesley Mhlanga and Noel Pataki early in the half. Patrick Schott of Union also made several key saves, denying shots from The Blue and Gold's Lewis Matton and Berko. The half ended without additional scoring, securing a decisive victory for MC.

The first half began with The Blue and Gold establishing early momentum. Russell Berko opened the scoring in the 5th minute, assisted by Patrick Vukoje, to give Mississippi College a 1-0 lead. Berko then doubled the advantage in the 17th minute with another goal, this time assisted by Cole Turner.

Mississippi College continued to press the attack as Alvaro Pena found the back of the net in the 28th minute, courtesy of an assist from Luke Nolan, increasing the lead to 3-0. The scoring continued with Benjamin Ellis netting a fourth goal in the 34th minute, assisted by Berko. The half closed with Mississippi College leading Union 4-0, showcasing a strong offensive performance.

The second half commenced with The Blue and Gold maintaining a strong presence despite Union's efforts. Early in the half, Lewis Matton and Alvaro Pena tested Union's goalkeeper Patrick Schott, whose saves kept MC from extending their lead. Santiago Dominguez responded with crucial stops, denying Wesley Mhlanga and Noel Pataki in quick succession.

Union managed to break through in the 55th minute with a goal from Luca Pereira, assisted by Pataki. Mississippi College continued to create opportunities, with Russell Berko and Ben Britton testing Schott again, but the Union defense held firm. The half concluded with Mississippi College maintaining a 4-1 advantage over Union.

Russell Berko scored two goals and provided an assist, with one of his goals serving as the game-winner. Santiago Dominguez recorded eight saves while facing 12 shots, allowing one goal. Benjamin Ellis contributed with a goal on his only shot attempt. Alvaro Pena also found the back of the net, converting one of his two shots on goal.

Mississippi Col. Top Performers

Santiago Dominguez  
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- 8 saves  

Russell Berko  
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- 2 goals  
- 1 assist  
- 4 shots on goal  
- 1 game-winning goal  

Benjamin Ellis  
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- 1 goal  
- 1 shot on goal  

Alvaro Pena  
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- 1 goal  
- 2 shots on goal  

MC improved to 3-1-4 overall and 2-0-2 in conference play. Union fell to 1-3-3 overall and 1-2-0 in conference play. Read Full Article