BURNABY, BC – It's never easy facing one of the nation's top teams, and it's especially difficult to do so in the opening game of the season while on the road. The University of Mary men's soccer team fell behind in the third minute and could never catch up to 13^th ranked Simon Fraser in an 8-0 Marauders loss to the Clan.
 
Former foes in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference, the Marauders and the Clan split a close series in 2015, with UMary winning 1-0 at home and SFU taking a 3-0 victory in Burnaby. After not facing one another last season, the Clan overwhelmed the Marauders in their first meeting in almost two years.
 
SFU opened the scoring just 2:10 into the match. Metteo Polisi scored on the first shot of the game for either team, placing the ball in the lower left corner off a cross from the right side.
 
Minutes later, Stanley Joseph's header attempt was stopped by SFU keeper Miguel Hof. It was his only save of the night.
 
Following a Clan goal in the 15^th minute, Andre Almquist fired wide on a scoring attempt in the 17^th minute. It was the Marauders second and last shot attempt in the game as the Clan controlled the stat sheet the remainder of the night.
 
Continuing to press, Simon Fraser tacked on its third and final goal of the first half in the 25^th minute. The Marauders defense then settled down, allowing just four shots – and only one on frame – in the next 20 minutes.
 
Any hopes for the Marauders rallying were dashed early in the second half as the Clan struck twice in the first 15 minutes.
 
Seven different players tallied for SFU. Polsi led the way with two goals. He also added an assist.
 
Marauders goalkeeper Ludwig Rhodin faced 24 shots, including 14 on frame. The junior ended the day with six saves.
 
UMary next faces Colorado Christian on Sept. 4 before taking on South Dakota School of Mines and Technology on Sept. 8. The Marauders home opener is Sept. 10 against Rocky Mountain College.
 
#marauders#