UNIVERSITY CENTER, Mich. – The Saginaw Valley State University men's soccer team opened the 2022 season in impressive fashion with a win over a nationally ranked opponent at home on Thursday.

The Cardinals fell behind No. 25 Maryville University in the first half but stormed back with a pair of second-half goals. The SVSU defense closed the door, and the Cardinals took the opener 2-1.  

How it Happened:

• For the first 30 minutes of action, neither team was able to create chances to score as both defenses were strong.
• The Saints were able to break through on broken play to take the 1-0 lead on a goal from Braden Johnson in the 37^th minute.
• The Cardinals found the equalizer in the 59^th minute. Robbie Baker played a ball in toward the Maryville goal from midfield, finding the foot of Brady Walker who buried it for his first of the season.
• The Cardinals continued to pressure the Saint defense in the second half. After a shot from Shiekh Manneh was saved by the Maryville goalkeeper, Jonathon Monney found the rebound and put it in the net for the game-winning goal.

Inside the Box Score:

• SVSU led the total shots narrowly 14-13, while the Cardinals and Saints each took five corner kicks.
• Jack Simms (1-0-0) got the start in net for the Cardinals, making five saves in the win.
• Walker and Baker each finished with three shots for the Cardinals.

Up Next:

The Cardinals remain home to host No. 16 University of Illinois Springfield at 2 pm on Saturday at the SVSU IM Field.