Wessel Rietveld missed last season due to injury.

However, last Wednesday, Rietveld made his first start since his injury. The senior made the most of it, netting two goals in a 7-0 victory against Penn State Greater Allegheny. Rietveld’s goals came within one minute of each other, helping the Pioneers cruise right past their opponent.

Rietveld said that the rehab process was long, but being on the pitch with his teammates made it worthwhile. The Dutch native said that scoring goals is one of the best feelings in the world.

“It felt good that after a year where I always had to watch the games from the stands, I could finally be the person that it was all about again,” Rietveld said.

Four other members of the Point Park men’s soccer team were able to score a goal. Lloyd van Wees joined Rietveld in finding the back of the net twice, including the first goal of the match. The junior’s second goal came off a penalty kick. Meanwhile, Daan Stormink, Emmanuel Ndayisenga and Khalid Binnahidh found the back of the net as well.

Rietveld said that keeping possession helped the Pioneers. In addition to their seven goals, the Pioneers forced Penn State goalkeepers Hunter Huber and Colin Bucso to make 10 saves.

“We didn’t rush anything, stayed calm and did our work as soon as we came close to the goal, which is scoring goals,” Rietveld said. “We put them under pressure and played some great combinations resulting in four goals within 30 minutes. After this you could see that the other team sort of already gave up.”

Meanwhile, substitute Conner Kelly said that the Pioneers expect to win every game.

“We just have to stick to our game plan and keep our heads down to ensure the win week in and week out,” Kelly said. “We want to win and play the way we know how to play. As long as we play our game and stick to what we do best, we’re confident of a good result.”

Kelly, a sophomore from Beaver, Pa., said that the team is gaining confidence with each match.

“We play each game with the same intensity and always have the same goal in mind,” Kelly said. “We know conference games are important, but we’re eager to show our worth and make a name this year.”

The result also gives Point Park more confidence before heading into their first home match of the season. The Pioneers started the season with three-straight road matches. 

Rietveld said he’s excited to be home after a grueling travel schedule.

“It can be difficult since you’re not used to the field and all the traveling costs a lot of energy,” he explained. “On the other hand, it is a lot of fun to see new places and it was great for our team bonding.”

Meanwhile, freshman Allan Deyarmin said the team owes it to the school to come out and have a strong performance.

“We owe it to them to perform and come out of the game with a win,” Deyarmin said. “Our home fans haven’t seen what we are capable of. I am positive they will be impressed.”

Point Park has a busy week. After Tuesday’s home game against Penn State Beaver, the Pioneers will hit the road once again on Thursday for a contest against Washington Adventist University in Maryland.