The Drake men's soccer defeated Bradley, 2-1, in its Missouri Valley Conference opener Saturday evening at Cownie Soccer Complex. 

"Very proud of our guys tonight on a number of levels and for picking up three important points in our conference opener. We had to navigate through a tricky few weeks -- our mentality and squad depth was put to the test against a very combative Bradley," said head coach Gareth Smith. "Tonight was more of a back and forth battle, but we managed the chaotic parts of the game to look well organized and defensively solid."

In the 44th minute, the Bulldogs were awarded a free kick. Senior Oliver Bihuniak took the kick and placed it in the box at the head of graduate Declan Watters. Watters then hit it to senior Istvan Wilhelms who scored to out Drake on the board, 1-0. 

The Bulldogs registered nine shots in the first half, three of which were taken by senior Bradan Allen. 

Drake outshot Bradley 15-11 but tied on corner kicks with four each. 

Redshirt-freshman Quinn Millerd started in goal for the Bulldogs. He registered three saves in his 90 minutes in the net.

Smith said, "A big time performance and debut from Quinn Millerd in goal. His hard work and preparation over the last year has prepared him well and he made some important saves throughout the game. A lot of credit has to go to Oliver Bihuniak who was a class act in our midfield, on both sides of the ball."

Bradley keeper Bryce Logan faced 15 shots, but was unable to stop the Bulldogs from scoring. 

In the 67th minute, the Bulldogs were awarded a penalty kick. Senior Juan Louis took the shot for the Bulldogs and scored putting Drake up 2-0. Logan tried to stop Louis from scoring but dove the opposite way the ball went. 

Bradley attempted to craft a number of scoring opportunities, but all were unsuccessful. 

The Braves scored in the 85th minute after being awarded a penalty kick. Pepe Mellado-Alandi scored for the Braves to get on the board.

"At times we played out of pressure and tried to develop a rhythm but it was tough for different reasons. We knew we needed the second goal just to be sure so credit to the guys to push in the second half," said Smith.

In the final four minutes of the match, Bradley maintained possession of the ball, trying to tie the game, but were stopped by the Bulldogs defense. Senior TC Anderson and Watters led the Bulldogs defensive efforts. 

Drake heads to Illinois to take on Loyola on Saturday Sept. 25 with kickoff set for 7 p.m.