Bethany, Okla. - The Southern Nazarene Men's Soccer team had a tough start to the season, falling 1-0 to McKendree in a battle to the final minutes. The two squads met in the 2023 NCAA Tournament last season where the Bearcats ended the Crimson Storm's season. 

The Storm (0-1, 0-0 GAC) came out strong, as Niklas Stalzer took the first shot just five minutes into the game. Junior Duran tried to get a goal of his own just a couple minutes later, but McKendree's (1-0-, 0-0 GLVC) goalkeeper, Christian Herluf, made the save. 

The Storm offense was working as they continued to put the pressure on the Bearcats. Cesar Solis had another solid attempt on goal as well, looking to sneak one in  the top right corner, but Herluf came up with the save once again leaving the score at 0-0.

SNU stayed aggressive throughout the first half as they totaled seven shots but neither team was able to sink one in the net before halftime. 
The Storm kept pushing in the second half with five more shots, but McKendree managed to sneak one past the SNU keeper giving them the lead, 1-0.

The offense kept at it for the Storm but still struggled to get a goal. Axel Agrucia attempted a shot in the final 10 minutes of the second half on an empty goal, but the Bearcat defense made an incredible stop. The clock began to run out as the Bearcats silenced SNU to claim the season opening victory over the Storm.

Next up 

The Crimson Storm will take on Dallas Baptist on Saturday September 7, at 6:00 p.m. at Wes Harmon Field.