After two consecutive draws, EC boys’ soccer team bounced back in resounding fashion on Monday, toppling Franklin for a 4–0 win thanks in large part to Xak Mitchell‘s hat trick, the first of his EC career. The sophomore served as the crucial difference between the two Metro League foes, as he opened the scoring for the Crusaders before tucking home two goals in the second half to seal a comfortable victory.
The action happened early and often for the Crusaders, starting with senior captain Santi Miguel-Sassano‘s excellent through ball down the right wing to create the game’s first goal-scoring opportunity. Mitchell sprinted onto the ball in the penalty area and bounced off a Franklin center back, before slotting home to put EC in front 1-0.
Minutes later, EC earned a free kick from a difficult angle on the right side of the field. Despite the tight space, Miguel-Sassano opted to shoot rather than cross, curling the ball over the wall and into the top corner of the goal to make it 2-0.
Mitchell scored another goal early in the second half. The player attacked from the right wing to deliver a powerful shot from a narrow angle which defeated the goalkeeper at the near post. 3–0, and EC looked firmly in control.
Late in the game, Mitchell wasn’t finished. He received a penalty when tackled in the penalty area and calmly scored the goal that finished his hat trick. EC dominated the match with a clear 4–0 victory.
