CLAREMORE, Okla. – The Maryville men's soccer team opened the 2026 campaign with a 2-0 victory over the Southern Nazarene Storm.
The Saints found the back of the net in each half, with
Yayo Mutombo opening the scoring in the 25th minute off an assist from
Jose Vilela. Freshman
Ahmed Suljagic added his first career goal in the 77th minute on a feed from
Jacob Lusignan.
It is the first season opening win for the Saints since 2021 when they defeated No. 3-ranked Lynn 2-1 in OT.Â
HOW IT HAPPENED
The first shot by either team proved to be the game-winner, as Mutombo buried a pass from Vilela for the Saints' first goal of the season.
Southern Nazarene was held to just two shots in the first 45 minutes, one in the 26th and another in the 43rd, with Ausgrimur Vidisson saving the latter.
Petter Hansen opened the action in the second half with a shot in the 56th minute before the Storm responded with two attempts of their own.
The insurance goal did not come until deep into the second half. Heavy Saints pressure resulted in three straight shots missing the mark within a four-minute span before a pair of St. Louis natives combined for the breakthrough, with Lusignan assisting Suljagic in the 77th minute.
BY THE NUMBERS
- The Saints were outshot 3-2 in the first half but held a 10-6 advantage in the second.Â
-
Lukas Molander, playing in his first match after missing the entire 2025 season, tallied 90 minutes on the pitch.
- 10 different Saints took a shot.Â
UP NEXT
The Saints stay in Claremore, Okla., this time facing the Rogers State Panthers on their home turf.Â
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