First-year defender Jack Barry has been a crucial member of the men’s soccer team’s defense, but his goal in the 45th minute of Tuesday’s home game against St. John’s was probably his most important contribution this season so far.
His team-leading fifth goal of the season, Barry’s score to close out the first half secured what would be the game-winning point for St. Thomas, helping the team escape with a 2-1 victory over its conference arch-rival.
“Jack’s a great insurance policy to have” coach Jon Lowery said. “Jack’s primary goal is to be a center back at this level, and today was his best performance by far.”
After giving up three goals in their loss to Macalester last weekend, the Tommies (3-1-1 MIAC, 7-2-1 overall) only allowed the Johnnies (3-2 MIAC, 6-2-1 overall) to score once in the second half.
“This was a Tommie-Johnnie game,” Lowery said. “After Macalester, we had to make a choice: Are we going to fight, or are we going to give in? What I saw today was a group that’s far from giving in.”
Tommie midfielder Andrew Stuempfig scored the first goal of the game in the 25th minute of play with an assist by midfielder Will Kidd.
“We find ways to win, and if that’s going to be we score off set pieces and it calls on me to score, then I’ll do my best to score,” Barry said. “We just have to keep on getting wins wherever we go.”
The Johnnies scored their lone goal in the 56th minute when midfielder Paul Wadsworth’s shot was deflected into the net, but were unable to score again.
The Tommies will travel to Northfield Saturday, Oct. 6 to take on the Carleton Knights (1-1-1 MIAC, 7-1-1 overall) .
Jacob Schneider can be reached at schn6923@stthomas.edu