JOLIET, Ill. -- Thanks to a solid defensive showing and a five-save performance from goalkeeper Merlijn van der Veen, the University of St. Francis men's soccer team wrapped up a hard-fought battle against Dordt University (Iowa) with a 0-0 deadlock on Saturday at Joliet Memorial Stadium.  The contest was the first one of the season for St. Francis, while Dordt moved to 0-1-1.

First Half
In the opening half, strong defense was prevalent for both squads as just six shots total were attempted, with only one being on goal.  St. Francis was the first to strike in the match, but the guests controlled the majority of the possessions, putting together four shots in the period compared to USF's two.  Jonathan Mendez recorded both Saints' tries in the 9th and 20th minutes, with each attempt missing off target.  The defensive plays of the match for USF came at the 31:01 and 31:30 marks when a Dordt shot attempt directly in front of the goal deflected off the back of Nathan Sharp, resulting in a corner kick opportunity for the guests.  A strong cross caused starting goalkeeper Elio Di Gennaro to push the ball to the middle of the box, which resulted in a promising second opportunity for the Defenders.  The subsequent DU header attempt snuck past an off-balance Di Gennaro, but USF defender Peer Langenhuijsen stepped in behind the keeper to block the ball from entering the goal.  The plays allowed the game to remain scoreless heading into the intermission.

Second Half
In the second stanza, Dordt picked up its offensive pressure immensely, but the Saints' defense remained consistent and steady.  The Defenders were able to target the hosts' goal five times in the period off 12 shots with van der Veen shutting the door on each attempt.  Offensively for USF, Max Gaudry and Jack Browne each got off one shot, with Browne getting credit for the only USF on-target attempt of the day.  

Dordt finished the match outshooting the Saints 18-4 with six corner kicks compared to USF's one.  In between the pipes, van der Veen led all goalkeepers with five saves, which resulted in USF's shutout to begin the campaign..

Up Next
USF returns to action on Wednesday, August 27 when it travels to Spring Arbor, Mich. to take on Spring Arbor University.  Opening kickoff against the Cougars is scheduled for 3 pm CDT at the Cougar Soccer Complex on the campus of SAU.

You can keep up with everything happening around USF Athletics on X @USFSaints.