DES MOINES, Iowa – The Drake men' soccer team (3-6-2, 1-2-1) highlighted a historic night in Des Moines with a 2-0 victory over St. Thomas (2-6-2, 0-2-1) in the first-ever match played at the brand-new Mediacom Stadium.
The Bulldogs owned Tuesday's match from the opening kick to the final horn, outshooting the Tommies 19-3 overall and 7-1 in shots on goal. Drake also attempted seven corner kicks to the Tommies' three.
True freshman
Jackson Kirsch provided the only offense Drake needed with a pair of first half goals. Kirsch beat the St. Thomas keeper Moritz Krenc to a rebound and headed in his second score of the season to put the Bulldogs out in front. The former Marion High School standout came through again in the 27th minute with another strike to extend Drake's advantage to 2-0.
The Bulldogs could not add any insurance runs despite multiple chances and held on to their 2-0 lead through the halftime hiatus and the entire second half to earn the victory.
AJ Franklin and
Damian Segura both came off the bench and combined for seven shots.
Eloge Iradukunda also fired off three shots. In goal,
Quinn Millerd recorded one save while earning the shutout victory.
With the win, Drake remained unbeaten at home this season, improving their record to 3-0-2.
"Tonight was a special night for Drake Soccer," Bulldog head coach Pat Flinn said. "On behalf of the players and the rest of our staff, we are grateful to everyone involved in helping Mediacom Stadium become a reality. We look forward to sharing this beautiful facility with the community and all the student-athletes that get to enjoy it. Putting in a great performance in that moment capped off a memorable night."
Drake will get back into MVC play this weekend with a road trip to Kalamazoo, Mich. for a date with conference newcomer Western Michigan. The Bulldogs and Broncos will get started at noon on Saturday, Oct. 14.
