Maryville University Athletics

KIRKSVILLE, MO. – Julian Stoecker converted a penalty kick with just under three minutes remaining as the Maryville men's soccer team rallied to earn a draw 2-2 at Truman State. The Saints carried the play for most of the contest but had to rally late to earn a single point for the standings. Maryville outshot the Bulldogs by a 22-8 margin, including 9-4 on shots on goal.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Saints jumped out of the gate with a goal on the first shot of the game. Maryville played a long ball up the right side before a pass from Alex Smeins drifted into the middle of the Truman defense. Petter Hanssen turned and fired a left-footed shot into the upper left corner just 2:12 into the game. The score is the second straight game in which the Saints have scored before the third minute and the earlies since Southwest Baptist scored an own goal at 1:48 in the game Sept. 24, 2023.
 
Lucas Molander nearly headed in a second goal for the Saints but the attempt was saved on the line. The Bulldogs drew level with a score in the 10th minute of play. The Saints had two more scoring chances but both were saved by Truman State. The Maryville defense held the Bulldogs without a shot on goal for more than 30 minutes. The contest reached halftime still knotted up at 1-1.
 
The Saints took the first three shots after intermission but none were on target. After Truman got its first shot towards the goal, Omar Cilic had two scoring chances on frame but both were saved. However, in the final quarter hour, Truman earned a corner kick and headed in the go-ahead goal for a 2-1 lead. As the Saints pressed for the equalizer, the Bulldogs had a breakaway but Asgrimur Vidisson came up with a dazzling save to keep the Saints close. Axton Anom had the ball bounce to him on the right edge of the box, and he turned and fired a hard shot that was saved at the near post.
 
With just under three minutes to play, the Saints lofted in a ball towards Anom but he was tripped up inside the penalty area as the Saints were awarded a penalty kick. Stoecker rifled a hard shot into the upper left corner to level for Maryville at 2-2. The Saints drew a free kick in the final minute but Jan Fulnek's final attempt for a winner was saved at the near post.
 
RECORDS
Maryville: 3-2-1, 1-0-1 GLVC
Truman State: 2-2-1, 1-1-1 GLVC
 
UP NEXT
The Saints are back in action Wednesday, Sept. 15, as they welcome Southwest Baptist to Lonnie Folks Field for a Noon start.