The Basics

Score: Evangel 1, UHSP 0 | Box Score

Record: Evangel (2-0-0), UHSP (0-1-0)

Location: Springfield, Mo. (Coryell Field)

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Valor Men's Soccer played host to the Eutectics of UHSP on Saturday (Aug. 23) afternoon, looking to add another win to their season total after playing just two days earlier. An early score just 43 seconds into Saturday's match proved to be the difference, as the Valor earned their third all-time win against the Eutectics and second of the season, 1-0.

The Valor got on the board early on Saturday, gaining possession and using a strong cross from Caleb Kuchta that found Hayes Van Breusegen, who buried a goal in the bottom left corner at just 43 seconds into the game. With the early goal, the Valor felt they may run away with the game, but the UHSP defense settled in and forced Evangel to shoot a trio of shots wide left of the goal. The majority of Saturday's game was played in Evangel's attacking end, as the Valor recorded 11 shots in the first half to UHSP's four. Ruben Gonzalez had Evangel's final first half opportunity, using a header to just miss the goal to the right, as EU took a 1-0 lead into the halftime break.

Evangel did not generate much offense in the second half, but from the 75th to 78th minute, a barrage of shots could not find the back of the net for the Valor. The Eutectics were able to put a shot on goal in the final period of play, but the Valor defense kept UHSP off the scoreboard, taking a 1-0 home opening victory in full time.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Hayes Van Breusegen scored Evangel's lone goal on a cross from Caleb Kuchta, his first goal of the season.

• Davide Marzoli earned his second win of the season in goal, recording three saves and earning a clean sheet in the 1-0 victory.

QUOTABLE

"Today was an example of what coaches in our game mean when we say "this is football". While UHSP was very solid, we as a team outpossessed them and outshot them all day, but we just couldn't find the back of the net for a second goal. I was happy with our guys coming out at halftime and really jumping into play quickly. UHSP's defense was really solid and the goalkeeper made some great saves. It is a lesson that we have to learn. We have to be more consistent and more precise with our shots," Men's Soccer Head Coach Kyle Beard stated. "As a team we need to get more fine tuned with our final third. We have a lot of positives and great development to work with moving forward. As a team, we are very excited about Hayes coming on as freshman and already making a splash. He has a high ceiling on what he can become. All in all we will get back into training and get smarter and ready for our next match."

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