Crusaders Defeat Ozarks to Pick Up First Win of the Season

September 10, 2023

IRVING, Texas - The University of Dallas men's soccer team won their non-conference match against the University of the Ozarks on Sunday, defeating the Eagles 2-0 to improve to 1-2-1 on the season.

After suffering a shutout at the hands of Hendrix on Friday, the Crusaders ensured quickly that would not be the case against the Eagles, netting the first goal of the game inside the first four minutes.  Jaiden Languilli played a ball into the box from the right wing, finding Evan Corsiglia inside the six yard box who managed to flick it towards Roman Campos on the back post, who then finished off the move with an easy header at the back post.

Though they started on the front foot, the game shifted dramatically in the Eagles favor for the remainder of the first half.  The Crusaders hardly saw any of the ball for 40 minutes and when they did, they struggled to string passes together to maintain possession.  Pressure was mounting on the Dallas back line as a result of the Eagles prolonged possession, but the Crusaders stood firm and greatly limited the quantity and quality of chances created.

Dallas needed a bit of luck to double their lead in the 38th minute.  A corner delivered by Victor Salvo made it's way twoard the center of the box, and bounced completely untouched toward the back post.  There, Ashton Maenza was waiting completely unmarked to easily head the ball home, making it 2-0 for Dallas at the half.

The second half was fought to a stalemate, even after Maenza was given a straight for a dangerous tackle in the 77th minute.  The game did not shift in the Eagles favor as one might expect with the man advantage.  Instead, it was a period of bitter frustration for the Eagles as the Crusaders back line held their ground to keep the first clean sheet of the season.

Up Next

The Crusaders will hit the road to face Howard Payne University next.  The match is scheduled for a 7:00 pm kick-off on Friday, Sept. 15.