UNIVERSITY CENTER, Mich. – The Saginaw Valley State University men's soccer team earned its first win of the season in emphatic fashion, defeating rival Northwood 5-0 Saturday afternoon at Robert C. Braddock Field.
The Cardinals (1-0-3) struck first in the 20th minute when Lui Ingavi (Kapsara, Kenya / Montverde Academy) finished from inside the box after a pass from Liam Zimmerman (Clarkston, Mich. / Clarkston HS). Evan Baker (Frankenmuth, Mich. / Frankenmuth HS) doubled the lead just before halftime in the 37th minute, converting a feed from Angel Aguilera (Elkhart, Ind. / International Soccer Academy of America).
Saginaw Valley extended its advantage in the second half as Kolja Thomas (Butjadingen, Germany / Zinzendorschule Tossens) scored in the 68th minute off a selfless pass by Ingavi, giving up an empty net look after a lob from Oleksiy Kharko (Mississauga, Ontario / Philip Pocock Secondary). Baker completed his brace in the 81st minute when he finished off a pass from Luke Allen (Saline, Mich. / Saline HS). Less than a minute later, Matty Telfer (Newcastle, England / Sunderland College) added the final goal, smashing a volley off the crossbar after Gabe Olla (Windsor, Ontario / Sandwich Secondary) forced a save.
The Cardinals dominated statistically, outshooting the Timberwolves 23-6 overall and 15-1 on frame. They also held a 9-3 advantage in corner kicks, including 8-1 in the second half. Nick Kay (Walled Lake, Mich. / Walled Lake Central HS) earned the clean sheet in goal, making one save as the defense limited Northwood's opportunities throughout the match. SVSU held 62% of the possession and 71% of their possession came in the attacking half.
Up Next: Saginaw Valley has over a week off before visiting Davenport on Wednesday, September 24. Kickoff is set for 7:00 PM from the Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex in Caledonia, Mich.
