UNIVERSITY CENTER, Mich. – The Saginaw Valley State University men's soccer team opened its home schedule Thursday afternoon against No. 2 University of Charleston, battling to a 0-0 tie at Robert C. Braddock Field. The Cardinals (0-0-1) held strong against the Golden Eagles (0-0-1), with goalkeeper Nick Kay (Walled Lake, Mich. / Walled Lake Central HS) recording a five-save clean sheet.
The opening half saw both sides trading opportunities, with Charleston taking five shots to SVSU's four. Kay came up big with two saves in the first 45 minutes, while the Cardinals' best chance came from forward Matty Telfer (Newcastle, England / Sunderland College), whose shot at the end of the half nearly found the back of the net.
The intensity carried into the second half, as both defenses clamped down. Charleston generated six more shots, but Kay turned away three on-target efforts to preserve the shutout. Charleston led the way in set pieces, earning six corner kicks compared to two for SVSU, while fouls piled up for both sides, totaling 22 combined with seven yellow cards issued.
Evan Baker (Frankenmuth, Mich. / Frankenmuth HS) and Telfer each registered a shot on goal for the Cardinals, while defenders Kolja Thomas (Butjadingen, Germany / Zinzendorschule Tossens) and Liam Zimmerman (Clarkston, Mich. / Clarkston HS) added attempts from the back line.
The scoreless finish marks the Cardinals' first result of the 2025 season and a statement against the nation's No. 2-ranked team.
Saginaw Valley continues the non-conference slate as they head to Illinois-Springfield this weekend. The two teams kick off at 1:00 PM from Kiwanis Stadium on Sunday, September 7.
