Titans Smother Comets With First-Half Scoring Frenzy

UW-Oshkosh bombarded Olivet College (Mich.) with five goals in the first 34 minutes of play as it defeated the Comets, 6-0, in a men's soccer match held Saturday (Sept. 4) at J.J. Keller Field at Titan Stadium.

Five different players scored for UW-Oshkosh, including Mike Franzen (Sr. • Sussex) who tallied the Titans' second and sixth goal of the match. UW-Oshkosh (2-0) also received goals from Robby Giljohann (Jr. • Pewaukee), Devon Prideaux (Sr. • Eden Prairie, Minn.) and Tim Stadler (Jr. • Wauwatosa).

UW-Oshkosh grabbed a quick 1-0 lead when Stadler headed a free kick from Paul Marx (So. • New Berlin) into the goal just 6:53 into play. The Titans doubled their lead when Franzen headed a shot into the net in the 15th minute (14:15). Franzen's goal came off passes from Stadler and Andy Kohel (Sr. • Racine).

UW-Oshkosh extended its advantage when Prideaux booted a shot off a pass from Brian Miller (Sr. • Chippewa Falls) into the goal in the 18th minute (17:30). The Titans made it 4-0 when Starnes headed a corner kick from Franzen into the net in the 25th minute (24:44). UW-Oshkosh tallied its fifth score on Giljohann's assisted goal by Brandon Briones (Sr. • Menasha) in the 34th minute (33:31).

UW-Oshkosh's sixth and final goal was scored in the 55th minute (54:31) as Franzen drilled a strike into the net after rebounding a missed shot from Miller.

UW-Oshkosh launched 28 shots, with 16 coming in the first half. The Titans, who also counted six corner kicks, were led by the five shots of Giljohann and the three of Prideaux.

Olivet College, which has lost all three of its contests with UW-Oshkosh, recorded seven shots and one corner kick. Matt Garza had four shots and Mike May two to lead the Comets (0-1).

James Pike (Jr. • Wauwatosa) guarded the UW-Oshkosh goal for the first 61 minutes (60:16) and saved one shot. Tim Gindville (Sr. • New Lenox, Ill.) then took over and blocked two shots during the final 29:44 of action.

Olivet College split its goalkeeping duties as Ethan Felsing saved six shots while playing the first half and Sam Cusmano four while playing the second. The Comets also had a defender register a save.

UW-Oshkosh returns to action to host Carthage College on Sunday (Sept. 5) at J.J. Keller Field at Titan Stadium.