Men's Soccer Drops Game at Madonna

(Livonia, MI)-- The Cleary Cougar men's soccer team made the trip down I-96 to play a WHAC game against the Madonna University Crusaders Wednesday afternoon.

Madonna started the game in control right from the opening kickoff, and put the Cougar defense and goalie Vaios Papadoudis under pressure.  The Cougar defense bent, but didn't break, thanks in part to some great reaction saves by Papadoudis to keep the game scoreless through the first twenty minutes.  After conceding a corner kick, the Crusaders broke through for the game's only goal, as a ball was delivered with pace to the near post, and found a Crusader who redirected the ball into the net to give the hosts a 1-0 lead in the 24th minute.  Adam Baldwin did get a shot on goal at the end of the half for Cleary in his season debut, but the shot was saved and the Cougars went into the break down 1-0.

Unfortunately for the Cougars, the Crusaders controlled the second half just as they did the first half, and proved to be a challenge to break down, as the Cougars were only able to get two shots on goal in the second half, and ultimately fell 1-0 to the (RV) Crusaders.

"We hate to lose," said Cougar head coach Dan Bulley.  "But these guys fought the whole game to (RV) Madonna.  It was an entertaining game, and we created some decent chances.  The better team won, and we will keep growing."

Vaios Papadoudis was stellar in goal while taking the loss, as he made 11 saves on 12 shots on goal.  Cleary was outshot 25-5, and the Crusaders held the edge on corner kicks 5-1 in the game.  

Cleary drops to 2-5-2 overall, and 0-2 in the WHAC.  The Cougars will be on the road again this Saturday, October 1, when they travel to Grand Rapids to take on the Cornerstone University Golden Eagles.  Kickoff is set for 7:00 PM.