Grand Rapids, Mich. – Men's Soccer battled in another heavy hitting WHAC conference battle to start the year this time against hometown rival Aquinas. The Saints managed to score off a spectacular free kick to end the first half, but Gavan Bignall and Calvin Curtis had second half goals to steal the match from Aquinas. Cornerstone will be back in action on Saturday, September 27 as they face powerhouse #12 Indiana Tech for a 1:00 p.m. kickoff.  
 
Game Recap: Cornerstone – 2 Aquinas – 1
 
First Half:

• This high intensity conference battle began immediately with physical play as Jake Madak picked up the first yellow card of the match in the 12^th minute. 
• Aquinas looked to be headed into the first lead of the match in the 10^th and 14^th minute but both opportunities were squandered with wide open goal chances. 
• The Saints continued to push for the opener, but Cornerstone saw their backline hold strong through the first 20 minutes.
• The best chance of the first half presented itself in the 24^th minute as Aquinas saw another golden opportunity that was lost to a poor pass across goal as they were one-on-one with the keeper.
• The physical play continued to tell the story as Aquinas picked up two of their own yellow cards as we inched closer to the halftime whistle. 
• Aquinas struck in the final moments with a beautifully taken free kick goal just outside the eighteen-yard box to snatch a 1-0 lead at the half. 

Second Half:

• It only took two minutes into the second half for the next two yellow cards to be handed out with one coming for each squad. 
• The Golden Eagles found their equalizer in the 50^th minute of the match thanks to some gritty play from Tyler Corstange who set up Calvin Curtis to put the goal away. 
• Gavan Bignall found some magic in the 61^st minute to give Cornerstone the lead with a pure strike from over the half field line with the keeper out of position. 
• The Golden Eagles continued to press forward well as they led 2-1 entering the 68^th minute of the match. 
• Calvin Curtis nearly found his brace off a free kick that turned into a free header, but the keeper made a strong save. 
• Cornerstone closed out the victory putting every ounce of effort into defending their goal and sending the ball to the opposing corner flags. 

By The Numbers
8 – The match saw eight yellow cards with each team earning four a piece. 
10 – Aquinas was dominant in getting to the byline as they accumulated 10 corner kicks compared to Cornerstone's zero. 
25 – The contest produced 25 total fouls as anticipated in this rival matchup. 
 
What's Next
The Golden Eagles will look to carry their momentum into the next match against #12 Indiana Tech on Saturday, September 27^th for a 1:00 p.m. start. 
 
Contact: Chance Deane 
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