INDIANAPOLIS – The Marian men's soccer team dominated the first half against Lourdes University Saturday afternoon, propelling them to the 4-2 victory at St. Vincent Field. With this win, the team moves to 2-0-1 on the season.

It was all Marian in the first half, firing off a total of 11 shots as to Lourdes two. Although the Knights offense was on the attack in the half, the Gray Wolves were the first to strike, scoring their first goal of the match 14 minutes into play. The Knights saw their first look 20 minutes into the half after Sebastian Gonzalez was fouled in the box, giving him the penalty kick and the chance to put Marian on the scoreboard. Gonzalez's penalty shot would be no good as the Lourdes goalie was able to make the save.  

About 30 seconds later, Dylann Merchand would knock a header on goal, but was unable to capitalize as the Gray Wolves keeper made another difficult save. The duo of Romaric Berneron and Jalen Rice took no time to answer, as Berneron would play a perfect ball for Rice to boot one into the net, making things even, 1-1.

The Knights controlled possession the remainder of the half, with shot after shot being fired at the Lourdes defense. Kameron Hooker would be the next Knight to get in on the action at the 33:21 mark, notching in a goal off the assist from Berneron to give Marian the 2-1 advantage. The Knights never let up the remainder of the half as they made two more shot attempts, capitalizing on one by Evan Dawdy on the assist from Jack Reynolds to enhance their lead, 3-1.

After the break, the Knights struggled to get any offensive juice flowing until later on. Lourdes came out of the break taking four shots in around 11 minutes of action. The Gray Wolves saw another attempt for a goal after being fouled in the box, giving them the penalty kick. However, Alvaro Ruedo came up big making a diving play to deflect the visitors shot. The big defensive stop shifted the momentum to the Knights as Merchand would take advantage, knocking one past the goalie on the assist from Nate Van Keulen. Only 37 seconds later, the Gray Wolves answered with a goal of their own to cut the lead back to two.

Although the visitors were able to fire off 11 shots compared to Marian's six, the Knights defense would prevail in the last 20 minutes of play, going on to win the match 4-2. Brendan Weiger got the win in goal, making one save with six shots on goal, while Ruedo made three saves in the second half. 

Marian will be back in action September 3, as they make the trip up north to Aquinas for a 3:00 PM start.

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