ST. LOUIS – Brady Freeman's goal in the 24th minute proved to be the difference in the University of Missouri-St. Louis men's soccer team 1-0 win over Kentucky Wesleyan on Thursday evening at Don Dallas Field.
It's the first season opening win for the Tritons since defeating Lewis 1-0 in the Covid season of Spring 2021 and the program's first win over Kentucky Wesleyan since 2012. The win also snapped a four-game winless streak against the Panthers.
Kentucky Wesleyan controlled possession for a majority of the first 10 minutes before UMSL flipped the field and began generating chances in the 15th minute. The Tritons broke through in the 24th minute.
Gibson Hunt beat his defender and made a run into the box and found a charging
Benjamin Ocampo who passed it to Freeman for the goal inside the left post.
Freeman had another chance moments later but Matteo Graniero denied him a second goal.
UMSL outshot the Panthers 6-3 and 2-1 in shots on goal in the first 45 minutes.
The Tritons nearly made it 2-0 in the 65th minute as Freeman found the back of the net again but Hunt was ruled to be offsides so the goal was waved off.
UMSL had two golden opportunities to seal the win in the 88th minute.
Max Matviyiv got loose behind the KWC defense but Graniero came off his line to make the first of two great saves.
Emir Mustajbegovic had a shot on the rebound but Graniero got over to save that one as well.
The Tritons outshot the Panthers for the contest 14-3 including 5-1 in shots on goal.
Will Meyer picked up the victory and his first clean sheet at UMSL.
The Tritons are back at home next Wednesday (Sept. 2) hosting Roosevelt at 7 p.m. at Don Dallas Field.
