GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The fall 2024 season for men's soccer is finally underway and there is no better start than a 2-0 victory over Saint Francis at home. It was a slow first half for both teams as the defense stood strong as it remained scoreless at halftime. It remained scoreless until the 62^nd minute as Grant Roloff would score the first goal of the season for Cornerstone off a corner kick from Dani Carrillo. About 14-minutes later, after some nifty passing, Boston Knapp scored the second goal of the game for Cornerstone to make it 2-0 as they would never look back. Men's Soccer will be back in action on Tuesday, September 3, taking on St. Francis (Ill.) right here at Cornerstone.
 
Game Recap – Cornerstone – 2 Saint Francis - 0
 
First Half:

• Saint Francis had the first shot of the game in the second minute that sailed wide right back into Cornerstone possession.
• The Cougars continued to get opportunities as a shot in the box was blocked by the Golden Eagle defender in 12^th minute.
• The first corner of the game belonged to Saint Francis and was stifled by the defense of the Golden Eagles in the 20^th minute. Cornerstone still looks for their first shot of the half.
• The first opportunity of the game came for Cornerstone came in the 28^th minutes as Tyler Corstange broke away from the defender but his shot sailed high over the goal.
• Cornerstone had a corner kick opportunity in the 34^th minute that was stopped by the Cougar keeper to keep it 0-0.
• After a great pass from Arthur Puppim, Ajani Vaughn puts one on goal, but it was saved by the Saint Francis goalie in the 41^st minute.
• The match headed in halftime tied 0-0 with the Cougars with four shots compared to Cornerstones 3.

Second Half:

• Saint Francis had the first opportunity of the second half with a corner kick that stopped by the Cornerstone keeper, Roberto Gutierrez in the 48^th minute.
• The defensive of both teams has continued to stand strong as the match remains scoreless in the 60^th minute.
• Off a corner kick in the 62^nd minute, the pass from Dani Carrillo found the head of Grant Roloff that found the back of the net for the first Cornerstone goal of the year. The Golden Eagles now lead 1-0.
• After some miscommunication by the Golden Eagles that saw the keeper come out of goal, the Cougars put one on goal that was blocked by AJ Dykstra in the net to keep Cornerstone in the lead 1-0 in the 71^st minute.
• A deep ball from Arthur Puppim found the foot of Shane Renshaw that gave way to Boston Knapp tas he put one in the back of the net in the 76^th minute to give Cornerstone a 2-0 lead.
• The Cougars continue to put pressure on the defense in the final 10 minutes of the match as Roberto Gutierrez records a save.
• Roberto Gutierrez recorded one more save as the Golden Eagles beat Saint Francis 2-0 in the first match of the 2024 year.

 
By the Numbers
8 – Saint Francis won the corner kick battle, reaching eight for the game compared to Cornerstones three.
3 – Roberto Gutierrez recorded a match high three saves.
2 – Cornerstone scored two goals in the second half, one by Grant Roloff and Boston Knapp.
2 – It is the second straight year Boston Knapp opened the season with a goal against Saint Francis.
 
What's Next?
The Golden Eagles have a couple weeks before their next match as they remain at home against St. Francis (Ill.) on Tuesday, September 3.
 
Contact: Jonny Strube
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