Lynn University Fighting Knights

Bristol, Tenn. – Julian Halder has moved past last season’s injuries and is playing at the top of his game in the early-goings of 2012.  That was evident Monday afternoon as he netted three goals in a 5-1 Lynn University men’s soccer victory over King College.  Youcef Oudjidane and Anthony Desperito also scored for the second-ranked Fighting Knights but the story of the afternoon was Halder.

Halder’s 2011 season was cut short in the final preseason match by an injury to his leg, forcing him to play portions of 13 games where he scored once and added an assist.  The Bregenz, Austria, native surpassed those numbers in just two contests as he has helped the Blue & White move to 2-0 on the year.

A mere 9:27 into play, Halder put LU on top 1-0 with a goal launched from the left wing that deflected off a Tornado’s defender.  He would strike again three minutes later while mesmerizing all in attendance.  Standing 40-yards away from goal, Halder turned on his defender and unleashed an attempt over the defense and past a diving Cameron Sauro inside the right side netting.

Lynn’s first half scoring would not end there with Anthony Desperito giving his team a 3-0 intermission lead.  The reserve forward stole a square pass from the King defense, split two defenders and knocked in a shot to the lower left corner for his first goal since October 7, 2009.

After several close attempts by LU, Jake Furman finally was able to set up the first goal of the second half in the 70th minute.  The Nottingham, England, native drew in the defense with some on-the-ball maneuvering before ripping a shot from the right wing.  Sauro made the initial save but the loose ball settled at the feet of Oujidane on the back post for an easy tap-in.

Halder was looking to complete the hat trick but was turned away on several chances in the second period.  Sauro made a punch save on a shot in the 65th minute and stopped a header from Halder in the 86th minute.  It was just two minutes later when Oujidane lofted a pass over the defense and Halder split the defenders and beat Sauro one-on-one for his third goal of the day.

The lone blemish of the afternoon came in the 80th minute as the Tornados’ Cheo Armstrong fed Luis Alonso to the center of the box and beat keeper Philip Uttikal to the bottom left.  Overall, the Fighting Knights dominated in every category, leading 28-6 in shots and 10-1 in corner kicks.

Lynn returns to action Friday and Saturday, September 7-8, when it hosts the Wyndham Boca Raton Soccer Classic.  The Blue & White will face Ave Maria on Friday and Anderson (S.C.) on Saturday with both games slated to begin at 3:30 p.m.  For more information log on to LynnFightingKnights.com, ‘Like’ us on Facebook and follow @LUKnights on Twitter and Instagram.