Owensboro, Ky. - Fueled by a goal from freshman Evan Dawdy in the 52 minute mark of the season opener, the Marian men's soccer team began their 2022 campaign with a 1-0 win over the Brescia Bearcats. Marian's fifth win all-time in the series provides the Knights with their first victory in a season-opener in the Mark Castro era. 

The first half featured aggressive offensive approaches from both the Knights and the Bearcats, as both sides ripped nine shots in the opening 45 minutes of play. Marian took the first look on goal as Romaric Berneron recorded the team's opening shot of the game on a header, but was denied on the play. Sebastian Gonzalez rifled the next wave of attempts for Marian, but came up empty in his search for a goal. Brendan Weiger made a pair of saves in the opening 20 minutes, while the team made a group save off a free kick play. The physical first half ended in a 0-0 draw, with the Knights holding an advantage in looks on goal. 

The Knights kept their aggressive approach in the second half, firing a pair of shots in the opening minute. Marian continued to attack on the offensvie end earning a pair of corner kicks in the ensuing minutes, and off a corner piece in the 52nd minute Marian put away their first goal of the season. Evan Dawdy received a pass off a corner boot from Berneron, and notched his first collegiate goal to give Marian a 1-0 advantage.

Marian continued to attack with Gonzalez leading the charge, as he ripped an additional five shots in the second half as Marian aimed to double their lead. The offense ended with 12 shots in the second half alone, but after not coming away with an insurance goal, the Knights increased their defensive pressure, limiting the Bearcats to just four total shots in the second half, with Weiger making two saves. 

Gonzalez led the Knights in the match with eight shots and four on goal, while Dawdy was second on the team with three, netting the only goal of the afternoon. In goal, Weiger earned the win, while making four saves as he played the full 90 minutes in net. 

Marian will take on IUPUI in their second contest of the season, making the short trip across Indianapolis on August 25 for a 4 p.m. matchup with the Jaguars. 

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