UNIVERSITY CENTER, Mich. – The No. 23 Saginaw Valley State University men's soccer team battled to a 1–1 draw against Tiffin University on Thursday afternoon at Robert C. Braddock Field. The Cardinals (0-0-3) have recorded a tie in all three matches this season.
SVSU wasted no time getting on the board, striking just 1:50 into the match. Off a free kick, Oleksiy Kharko (Mississauga, Ontario / Philip Pocock Secondary Catholic School) played a ball into the right side of the area to Evan Baker (Frankenmuth, Mich. / Frankenmuth HS), who slipped a pass into the interior for Lui Ingavi (Kapsara, Kenya / Montverde Academy). Ingavi took one touch before calmly placing his shot under the keeper for his second goal of the season. Tiffin responded in the 23rd minute, as Adrian Lechuga converted to even the match at 1–1, where it remained through full time.
The Cardinals finished with seven total shots, including four on goal, while Tiffin recorded eight shots with three on frame. Ingavi led the way with two shots, both on target. Adrian Hatman (Chisinau, Moldova / Lucian Blaga) added two attempts and Adrian Mahoney (Brampton, Ontario / St. Martin's HS) tallied one on goal. Baker and Kharko each registered assists on the early strike. SVSU also held a 4–3 edge in corner kicks. Goalkeeper Nick Kay (Walled Lake, Mich. / Walled Lake Central HS) made two saves in the full match, while Tiffin's Nick Cherry stopped three Cardinal efforts.
The match was physical throughout, with a combined 29 fouls called and four yellow cards issued between the two teams.
Up Next: Saginaw Valley is back at home on Saturday, September 13 for a rivalry match up. The Cardinals host the Northwood Timberwolves at 1:00 PM from Robert C. Braddock Field.
