UNIVERSITY CENTER, Mich. – The Saints begin the 2022 season with a loss after surrendering two second-half goals on the road to Saginaw Valley State University.
  
The Run of Play:
Saginaw Valley came out of the locker room ready to play, applying pressure by firing off five shots in the first 18 minutes of the game. Their best chance came on a Jordan Murray shot that was denied by Saints'goalie Nick Hemann. 
 
Maryville got their first shot at 21:45 when Jimmy Doherty blasted one on. Kevin Mulinya followed up moments later with another shot on goal. David Korn's squad continued to press and eventually found the back of the net when Mason Crew set up Braden Johnson's 14th career goal to put the Saints up 1-0. 
 
Later in the half, newcomer Bryce Glisson ripped a shot off the crossbar with just 12 seconds remaining before heading back to the locker room with a one-goal lead.
 
The Saints came out of the half and continued to pepper the Saginaw Valley goalie, posting two more shots on goal from Mulinya and Johnson. Despite the offensive momentum from the visitors, the Cardinals tied the game at 58:20 on a goal from Brady Walker.
 
The two teams exchanged shots on goal in the 60th minute, but Saginaw Valley dug deep and found the net once again in the 73rd minute to take the lead.
 
Knowing that time was of the essence, the Saints' offense continued to work, earning three corner kicks while outshooting the Cardinals 5-0 in the final 17 minutes of the game. The time would expire on the comeback, however, as Maryville drops their first season opener since 2013. 
 
Records:
Maryville: 0-1-0
Saginaw Valley: 1-0-0 
  
Next Up: 
Men's soccer continues its Michigan road trip with a matchup against Davenport University on Saturday, August 7. The kickoff is scheduled for 11 a.m. (CT).