FORT WAYNE, Ind.  – The Golden Eagles found their way to a season opening victory as it took just one counterattack from Boston Knapp in the 18^th minute to earn a 1-0 win at Saint Francis. The backline of Cornerstone did enough to give them their first season opening outright victory since 2009 and move to 1-0-0 on the year. Roberto Gutierrez played the full 90 in net and made nine saves for a new career high in the win. Cornerstone will stay on the road Wednesday, as they travel to Spring Arbor for a 7 p.m. kickoff. 
 
Game Recap: Cornerstone – 1 Saint Francis - 0

• Cornerstone took a while to find their footing in the first game of 2023, as Saint Francis threatened early. In the fifth minute, USF earned their first corner of the game after a pair of crosses that the Cougars were just unable to find a finishing touch for. 
• In the 12^th minute, the Golden Eagles were able to execute their first counterattack that led to a Pablo Rodriguez shot that was saved by USF keeper Jannik Reiss. 
• Still struggling to find possession, CU was able to execute anyways with a beautiful counterattack that led to a Boston Knapp goal in the 18^th minute. Knapp took a beautiful pass from Pablo Rodriguez and beat the USF keeper in the upper netting to give Cornerstone a 1-0 lead. 
• Saint Francis looked immediately for a response. They were able to get an excellent set piece chance in the 25^th minute after the first yellow card of the game was handed to Arthur Puppim. Enrique Subiran took the free kick and beat the four-man Golden Eagle wall but hit the woodwork, keeping the Cougars off the board. 
• Later in the half the Cougars would once again hit the post on a shot from Daniel Elueterio. 
• Keeper Roberto Gutierrez was able to maintain the clean sheet through the first half, as Cornerstone held a 1-0 lead. 
• The Cougars again got off to a great start in the second half, recording three shots in the first three minutes. Roberto Gutierrez needed to make just one save to keep them off the board. 
• Fatigue started to set in for both sides. Cornerstone would make eight substitutions in the first 25 mins of the second half to insure fresh legs on the back line. 
• Luke Bouma would be handed his first yellow card of the season in the 58^th minute.
• Saint Francis best chance came in the 66^th minute when a ball snuck through a crowded box and caught Roberto Gutierrez off guard. USF was still unable to find the net though as the score remained 1-0. 
• Three more yellow cards were handed out in the final 25 mins of the second half with Saint Francis earning two in the 68^th and 73^rdminutes, and Cornerstone's Pablo Rodriguez receiving one in the 84^th minute. 
• The rotation of Golden Eagle defenders and fresh legs would hold in the final 15 minutes, as Cornerstone held on to earn a 1-0 season opening victory. 

 
By the Numbers: 
2009 – Cornerstone won their season opener outright for the first time since 2009. 
9 – In his second career start, Roberto Gutierrez made a career high nine saves to hold a clean sheet. 
6 – Junior Boston Knapp scores the first goal of the season for his sixth in his career. 
10-0 – Cornerstone was outshot 10-0 in the second half, but the defense would hold their ground to secure the shutout. 
 
What's Next?
Cornerstone continues early season road play at Spring Arbor on Wednesday, August 23 for a 7 p.m. kickoff. 
 
Men's Soccer Contact: Jesse Campbell
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