ST. LOUIS – The No. 12-ranked Maryville university men's soccer team saw their season and home opener come to a close via a 1-1 draw to the Rogers State Hillcats. The Saints lone goal came off the foot of Luca Bartoni with just five minutes left in the first half.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
Facing a high press of the Hillcats, the back line of the Saints played exceptionally well in the first half, starting an attack that left the Saints leading 11-1 in the shot category after the first 45.
 
An eventual free kick by Marcus Kalebo placed the ball perfectly in the box, where some beneficial bounces for the Saints gave Bartoni the opportunity to net the first one the year for the Saints.
 

⚽ | The first goal of the season belongs to LUCA BARTONI! 💪 pic.twitter.com/PGP8wFcnEI

— Maryville Athletics (@MaryvilleSaints) September 5, 2024

 
The Saints carried that 1-0 lead out of the break, continuing to push the pace. However, at the 86th minute of action, Miguel Cobos got hit with a foul in the box resulting in a penalty for the Hillcats. That opportunity was not squandered by RSU as they hammered it past Joey Wilson, tying the match.
 
Despite some more offensive pressure by the Saints, the match ended 1-1.
 
UP NEXT
The early homestand for the Saints continues in non-conference action on Sunday, Sept. 8 at 12 p.m. where they welcome in the Tiffin Dragons. It also brings bad blood as the Saints ended the season of the Dragons just a year ago.