KIRKSVILLE, Mo. – The Saginaw Valley State University women's soccer program dropped their first game of the season 4-1 against Truman State University at Stokes Stadium Sunday afternoon. The Cardinals (1-1-0) took a 1-0 lead into halftime before the Bulldogs (1-1-0) scored four unanswered in the second half.

Saginaw Valley outshot Truman 11 to seven and seven to six on shots on goal. They also led in the set pieces with nine corner kicks to the Bulldogs five.

The Cardinals broke open the scoring late in the first half when a free kick from SVSU's defensive zone sent Stephanie Strong on a run. Strong protected the ball from one defender on the right side of the box before centering the ball for Rileigh Garbarz who blasted a shot off the crossbar and in for her first goal of the 2024 season. It was also Strong's first assist and point of the year.

Kennedi Pugh started in net and saved the lone shot on goal that she faced in the first half.

In the second half, the Bulldogs converted on their opportunities. Three goals in a four-minute span in the first eight minutes of the half. Aubrey Kaupas scored the first and third to tie the game and extend the Truman State lead to 3-1. She also assisted the second goal for five points on the day. The Bulldogs added one more in the 83rd minute to make it a three-goal lead and the final score of 4-1.

Up Next: Saginaw Valley women's soccer comes home to host Ashland University (0-1-0) on Friday, September 13. The Cardinals and Eagles are set to start at 3:00 PM EST from Robert C. Braddock Field.