Marian University men’s soccer (3-2-0, 0-0-0 NACC) earned a 3-0 win at home over Augustana (Ill.) to finish non-conference play.

The Vikings and Sabres played close in the first half with Augustana holding a slim 6-5 advantage for shots.  Freshman Zach Paxton sent a laser into the upper left-hand corner off of a free kick for his second goal of the season.  The goal came at the 28:37 mark and was the lone tally in the first 45 minutes.

The Sabres came out fast to open the second half scoring just 59 ticks in.  Freshman Drew Cowden was able to chip a ball over the defense and fellow freshman Giuliano Corazzina was able to win a one-on-one battle with the keeper for his fifth goal of the year.  Then in the 63rd minute, Cowden sent a shot into the box that was initially blocked and deflected into the goal to put the Sabres ahead 3-0.

Marian was able to outshoot the Vikings 9-6 in the second stanza for a 14-12 edge for the game.  Corazzina led the way for the Sabres with four shots, three of which were on frame.  Senior Kevin Cervantes (3-1-0) made four saves in the first 76:45 of the game before being lifted for freshman Aaron Perez who made one stop in the final 13:15.

Marian opens NACC play at home hosting Wisconsin Lutheran Wednesday, Sept. 15 for a 6 p.m. kick-off.

–FightBlueFight—