PALOS HEIGHTS, Ill.  – The Golden Eagles saw a crucial set piece in the second half be the difference, as Braeden Stewart scored the first goal of his career leading to the 1-0 victory at Trinity Christian. CU saw a fair share of opportunities yet again and this time found the net to earn the win. Cornerstone is now 1-0-1 on the year as they will have a few days off before hosting NCAA DIII opponent Olivet College on Thursday as part of a Golden Eagle men's and women's soccer double-header. The men's team kicks-off at 7 p.m. on Thursday or roughly an hour after the conclusion of the women's game. 
 
The Highlights:

• Ethan Pike was tested in net early, having to make a save in the third minute on a shot from Trolls forward Brad Walters. 
• Cornerstone earned three early corner kicks, two taken by Christian Galloway and one from Jeff Herrema. Trinity Christian was able to clear all three away to keep it scoreless in the first 10 minutes. 
• Fouls became a factor early in the first half, as Trinity Christian was called for three consecutive within a two minute span.
• Cornerstone's first shot came in the 23^rd minute from outside the 18-yard box by Boston Knapp, and it was fired just high.
• Due to the high temperature, the teams were given a water break at the midway point of the first half. 
• David Mawi recorded Cornerstone's second shot of the day late in the first half but it missed wide as neither team scored and it sat at 0-0 going into the break. 
• Cornerstone came out with some offensive energy to start the second half, doubling their shot total in the first seven minutes. Two freshmen each had an opportunity with a Jake Madak shot being saved and a Tyler Corstange shot being saved as the score stayed 0-0. 
• In the 56^th minute Chana Batan made an excellent run down the sideline, using a great cutback to have a shot on net. He missed just high and wide as the game continued to stay scoreless. 
• After going down with an injury in the first half, captain Christian Galloway returned in the 57^th minute. 
• Cornerstone earned a free kick in the 64^th minute which led to the first goal of the season, as Braeden Stewart flipped one in off the great ball from Jeff Herrema to put CU on top 1-0. 
• With Trinity Christian scrambling to tie it in the final 25 minutes, the CU defense shined. Cody Bennett, Kyle Barba, Caleb Griffith, Boston Knapp, and many others made some great plays in front of keeper Ethan Pike to keep the Trolls scoreless and earn the 1-0 victory. 

 
By the Numbers: 
2 – Ethan Pike has started all 180 minutes in net for the Golden Eagles and is perfect so far recording two shutouts. 
1 – Braeden Stewart wore a new uniform as number 25 today and scored his first career goal in the victory. 
2020 – Cornerstone records back-to-back shutouts for the first time since 2020. 
 
What's Next?
CU is back home on Thursday, the first of September, as they will take on NCAA DIII opponent Olivet College at 7 p.m. following the women's contest. Find tickets HERE. This will be the first time that Cornerstone and Olivet will meet in program history. 
 
Men's Soccer Contact: Jesse Campbell
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