GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.-- Madonna University's men's soccer team began Wolverine Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC) play Saturday evening as they traveled to Cornerstone University (Mich.) and came away with a 2-1 victory. 

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Crusaders had a very early chance as Alexander Zalecany played Ryota Nakajima into the box. Before Nakajima could get a shot off a Cornerstone defender tackled him and the Crusaders  were awarded a penalty kick at the 8:03 mark. Nakajima aimed for the bottom left corner and the Golden Eagles goalie made a remarkable save. 

Madonna would get another chance in the first half as Rene Robert played a beautiful ball into the box for Nakajima and he crossed it to a sliding Issei Ito for the first goal of the game at the 24:57 mark. 

In the second half, the Crusaders were on the attack early once again. Roughly three minutes into the half, Carlos Martinez Rodriguez was able to score his first goal of the season from a cross by Ito. 

The Golden Eagles had some fight left in them as they were able to score a goal off a rebound at the 52:47 mark to cut the deficit to one. The Crusader's goalie Youssou Ouendeno would not allow another goal and the Crusaders were able to seal the victory. 

INSIDE THE NUMBERS
 

• The Crusaders would tie the shot battle 7-7 however, the Golden Eagles had more shots on goal than the Crusaders 6-5. 
• Nakajima has either scored or had an assist in each of the last three matches.

UP NEXT 

The Crusaders will travel to Cardinal Stadium to take on Concordia University (Mich.) on Wednesday, September 29, with a 1:00 p.m. kickoff

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