LACEY, Wash. – Walla Walla University men's soccer dropped its first game of the season Thursday afternoon, falling 5-0 to Saint Martin's University.
The Saints broke the game open early with a goal from Cole Sullivan in the fifth minute. They went on to score two more goals, both by Xander Koenig, in the 14th and 25th minutes. The Wolves responded with a shot on goal from
Eniola Smith in the 26th minute, but an excellent save by Connor Leistiko kept Walla Walla off the scoreboard. Both teams battled through the remainder of the first half, trading fouls and shots before entering halftime with the Saints leading 3-0.
Coming out of halftime, the Saints continued to put pressure on Walla Walla, earning a corner kick in the 46th minute and continuing to generate shots throughout the second half. The Wolves' defense held strong for most of the half, but SMU broke through in the 84th minute with a goal from Ismail Mamadou. The Saints scored their fifth and final goal in the 88th minute on a goal from Juan Diaz.
Walla Walla finished the afternoon with six total shots, including two on goal.
Diego Gutierrez recorded the Wolves' second shot on goal.
Brunno Cascardo manned the net for the Wolves, finishing with four saves.
Walla Walla will return to action Wednesday, Sept. 2, hosting a scrimmage against Blue Mountain Community College at 7 p.m.
