ST. LOUIS – Maryville men's soccer, led by
Cedric Sengl's two-goal day, defeated the University of Illinois Springfield 4-1 to move to 2-0-0 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. After falling behind 1-0 seven minutes into the game, the Saints came storming back with four goals to down the Prairie Stars.
Forward Kevin Mulinya put a jolt into the start of the game by getting down the field and shooting just over the goal at 3:37. He added another shot at 4:48 that was denied by starting UIS goalkeeper Alberto Valsecchi.
Three minutes later with the Saints defending, the Prairie Stars switched fields to Bill Nzojyibwami who then found Rory Carlson on the back post for the game's first goal.
The Saints responded quickly. At 17:02, Maryville settled a bouncing ball in the offensive zone and one-timed a pair of passes to a cutting Sengl in front of the goal. The captain took the opportunity and rifled a shot by the goalie on the left side to tie the game.
After coming out of the half still tied at one, the Saints caught a break at 56:13. Sengl sent another ball into the box that the goalkeeper misplayed, letting the ball get loose to a battling
Bryce Dickerson who found twine for the first time in 2022.
The floodgates opened for the home team from there.
Sebastian Weitlaner won a ball in the midfield, sped past the defense, and found an open Sengl on the other side of the box for his second goal of the game at 72:16. Smith added a fourth goal and final goal at 89:06 to finish off a 4-1 win in style. With the victory, the Saints move to 2-0-0 to begin their conference schedule and 3-3-0 overall.
"Proud of our team's response today," said Head Men's Soccer Coach
David Korn. "We need to learn from the start of the game, but that's a very good team with dangerous attacking players. I was excited to see the confidence and growth of our group and attacking players. We will need to get ready now for a challenging game on Sunday."
Conference play continues for the men in a matchup with Lewis University on Sunday, Sept. 18. The opening kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. at the Maryville Soccer Field.
