DEARBORN HEIGHTS, Mich. - Pedro Zucchi delivered the game-winning goal, and Madonna University (5-3-3) answered a late challenge to defeat Michigan-Dearborn (4-5-3) 3-1 on Saturday, Oct. 3, at Crestwood. The Crusaders received goals from three players and two assists from Daniel Watkins to remain unbeaten in conference play at 3-0-1.
Afonso Henrique helped establish the early foundation, saving John Clark's header at 1:58 before Kaito Hashimoto opened the scoring at 10:26. Hashimoto's first goal of the season came off an assist from Watkins. Henrique then denied Aiden Heivilin at 14:55, protecting a 1-0 lead that Madonna carried into halftime with a 9-6 advantage in shots.
Henrique turned away another Heivilin header at 46:55, and the Crusaders continued to generate chances after the break. Zucchi extended the lead to 2-0 with an unassisted goal at 62:57, a finish that ultimately stood as the winner. Zucchi put four of five shots on target, while Tidiane Diop also attempted five shots as Madonna's attack kept Michigan-Dearborn's defense busy.
The hosts made the closing stretch competitive when Nolan Ortega scored unassisted at 74:52 to pull within 2-1. Henrique supplied a crucial response, saving Juan Pablo Hermosillo's shot at 77:06 to preserve the lead. Bernardo Teston then restored the two-goal cushion at 79:04, converting another Watkins assist for his first goal of the season. Teston put both of his shots on target during 17 minutes of action.
Madonna finished with a 22-13 advantage in shots, including a 12-5 edge in shots on goal, and led 5-2 in corner kicks. Onishi Haraki added two shots on target, while Hassan Alatooli contributed two attempts, one on goal. Michigan-Dearborn goalkeeper Mohammad Bader made nine saves as the hosts fell to 1-3-1 in conference play. Henrique completed all 90 minutes with four saves, two in each half.
Madonna Men's Soccer will look to build on this win when they travel to Howell, Michigan to take on Cleary University on Wednesday, October 7, 2026 at 4:00 PM at Lake Trust Stadium.
