(Ann Arbor, MI) After winning their conference opener against Cornerstone in an overtime thriller, the Cardinals took to Cardinal Stadium once again to face 15th ranked Madonna University. On a rainy day the Cardinals held firm in the first half, but surrendered two goals to the Crusaders for their first conference loss.
No score came from the first half of action as both sides made dangerous attacks that ultimately were snuffed out by the opposing defense. The Crusaders had a pair of goals that were called back because of offsides penalties early in the game. Concordia made several attacks that threatened Madonna including a header from Jordan Whitt and a pair of shots from Anthony Tucker which were saved by Crusader keeper, Joe Smith. Marino Moraccini recorded 7 saves in the first half to keep a clean sheet 45 minutes into the match.
The scoreless tie was broken in the 64th minute when Madonna earned a corner kick. Leonardo Gois Abonizio served the ball across the goal to Madonna's Ryan Lynch who was able to head it into the side netting despite Moraccini getting a hand on it. Concordia put more pressure on the Crusaders following the goal, but Ivan Panergo sealed the fate of the match for Madonna in the 85th minute. Panergo was on the receiving end of a through ball that he was able to finish with just two touches to close out the game.
Now 1-1 in WHAC play, the Cardinals will return to action on Saturday, October 5th at Lawrence Tech. Kick off will be at 4:30 in Southfield.
