The Lindenwood men’s soccer team kicked off their 2024 regular season with a 0-0 draw against Horizon League opponent Milwaukee. This result marked the end of a five-year streak of opening day losses for the team. Head coach Bertsch commented on the match, noting that both teams struggled to find consistency on both offense and defense. Despite creating several scoring opportunities, Lindenwood lacked the quality to convert them into goals. Defensively, the team was pleased to secure a shutout on the road but acknowledged the need for improvement in upcoming matches.
In a defensive battle, Lindenwood was outshot 11-12 by Milwaukee but managed to register five shots on goal, including attempts from standout players like Ethan Blake and John Gates. Goalkeeper Enzo Gil put on a stellar performance, making five saves throughout the match. Notably, Gil made back-to-back diving saves in the 64th minute to keep Milwaukee from scoring. Luke Neely and Quinn Connolly also played crucial roles in the Lions‘ defensive efforts, both playing the full 90 minutes.
The Lions came out strong in the first half, posting seven of their 11 shots, but struggled to break through Milwaukee’s defense in the second half, managing only four shots. Despite the draw, the team showed promise and determination on both ends of the field. With the home opener approaching, Lindenwood looks to build on their performance and secure their first victory of the season.
Next up for Lindenwood is a matchup against the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley on August 25th at 1:00 p.m. CT. This game will mark the team’s first home match of the season and will kick off a doubleheader with the women’s team playing later in the day. Fans can catch both matches on ESPN+ as the Lions look to continue their quest for success in the 2024 season. Stay tuned to lindenwoodlions.com for more updates and information on the upcoming games.