Kinsey continues scoring ways

JOPLIN, Mo. - High-flying forward Robert Kinsey (So., Denver, Colo.) continued his recent run of good form by scoring two goals in the CSU-Pueblo men's soccer team's 3-1 victory over Missouri Southern on Friday.  The game, which was played in Joplin, Mo., was the first of two games that the men will play on this road trip.

The win ups the Pack's mark to 2-1 on the early season.

Kinsey, the current RMAC Offensive Player of the Week, picked up where he left off against Newman (KS) last weekend.  He put the Pack ahead in the 26th minute and then bagged his second goal just moments into the second half.  By scoring six goals this season, Kinsey has already doubled last year's individual team-high goal scoring mark.

The men got a strong foothold in the match in the first half behind Kinsey's first goal, and the team solidified that status in the second half by tallying 16 shots on goal.  Udobong Obotette (Sr., Eugene, Ore.) scored the Thunderwolves' third goal by converting a penalty kick in the 76th minute -- only three minutes after Missouri Southern had sliced into the CSU-Pueblo lead.

Coach Roy Stanley had nothing but praise for Kinsey after the game  "He's taking advantage of his half chances and making things happen for himself," Stanley said.  "It's a huge credit to him, and after last season, it's something we desperately need."

Stanley was also quick to point out that there are other players creating opportunities for themselves as well.  He said, "It's not like the other guys are missing by 20 yards or anything.  We're getting our chances on goal and I feel the other guys can step up if Robbo doesn't keep scoring like this."

Stanley also suggested that the back line deserves a large amount of credit for the team's consecutive good performances.  He pointed to significant improvements in decision making at the back as a reason for both offensive and defensive success.  "We've been easier on the eye when defending and after winning the ball," he said.  "Sam Henritze (Jr., Scottsdale, Ariz.), Dillion Good (So., Albuquerque, N.M.), John Christy (Sr., Layton, Utah), and Nate Garcia (So., Albuquerque, N.M.) have all performed well."

The men will play again on Sunday against a Rockhurst (MO) team which was ranked 22nd in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America/adidas NCAA Division II pre-season poll.  Stanley said he's looking forward to seeing how his team will match up against such a recognized opponent.

Tony Tocco, the Rockhurst coach, has compiled 550 career victories in his 37 years at the school, so the men will have their hands full against such storied opposition.  Nevertheless, Stanley will certainly have his troops ready for the challenge, and the contest should be exciting.