EXETER – The Exeter Centennials men's soccer team picked up a pair of wins in recent games, beating St. Marys 4-2 at home July 7 and nabbing a 3-0 road victory over Taxandria July 11.

The Centennials came out strong against St. Marys and had a number of early chances but were unable to score, according to team spokesperson Dan Kinsman.

St. Marys scored two goals to take an early lead, but Exeter came back with goals from Darren Marziali and Andrew Prout to tie the game.

Just before the half Marzaili made a strong corner kick that found the head of Tim Burtch and the ball was soon in the back of the net.

The goal came at a cost, as Burtch was injured on the play. Though he was able to finish the game, Burtch sat out the following match.

The Centennials controlled the play in the second half and managed a number of scoring opportunities. The only goal of the half was scored by Marzaili.

"It was a solid effort from the entire team and a good game between the pipes for Dan Caslick," Kinsman said.

"Ryan Ralph, Dimitris Fragiskatos and Justin Muller had solid outings in their respective positions."

July 11 the Centennials faced Taxandria in Arkona and jumped into an early lead with a highlight reel goal from Andrew Prout.

The Centennials kept the momentum and netted the game's next goal on a shot by Jacob Unwin from 30 yards out.

Kinsman said the shot made a perfect curve overtop of the Taxandria goalkeeper, yet managed to stay below the crossbar and into the net.
In the second half the Centennials scored another goal off a Matt Prout penalty kick but lost two key players to injury.

Kinsman said the penalty kick was the result of an over-aggressive defender taking out a Centennial forward inside Taxandria's 18-yard box.

The injuries came to Marzaili and Kinsman, the latter needing help off of the field.
Costas Kollias filled the gap in the striker position and came up short on several solid scoring chances.

Kevin Ha and Jared Easton also had excellent games, Kinsman said, creating many chances to score.

The Centennials maintained the lead and goalkeeper Paul Kennedy came away with the shutout in a solid outing.

Team spokesperson Chris Hern said despite the injuries to key players he expects the team to continue its winning ways and doesn't expect this to slow them down.

The Centennials' next game is today (Wednesday) at 8:30 p.m. at Exeter Community Park.