Box Score (LEBANON, Ill., Sept. 3)- The McKendree University men's soccer team gave up an early goal, but scored three unaswered goals and held on to defeat Davenport University (Mich.), 3-2, on Monday afternoon.

The Bearcats improved to 2-0 overall and will travel to St. Louis, Mo., on Friday, September 7th to open up Great Lakes Valley Conference play at Maryville University at 2:30 p.m. The match will be McKendree's first in any sport to compete in a GLVC contest.

The Panthers got on the board early, scoring a goal in the 4th minute, to give McKendree an early 1-0 deficit, but freshman midfielder Eddie Wilding (Felixstowe, Sussex, England/Doncaster College) evened the score, 1-1, with a goal in the 10th minute off an assist by junior midfielder Kavel Smith (Kingston, Jamaica/St. George’s College).

Freshman defender Jeremy Baldyga (Castle Rock, Colo./Douglas County) broke the tie at the 13-minute mark when he sent a shot up and over the Davenport goalkeeper from 20 yards out to put the Bearcats in front 2-1. Baldyga's goal was also the first goal of his collegiate career.

Freshman forward Alex Ridsdale (Nelson, New Zealand/Mount Albert) put the Bearcats in front, 3-1, on a double assist by Wilding and Baldyga in the 68th minute, only for the Panthers to cut the deficit to 3-2 in the 78th minute. The McKendree defense held Davenport in check over the final 12 minutes to hold on for the win.

Freshman goalkeeper Matt Derrington (St. Louis, Mo./Trinity Catholic) played the first half in goal was was credited with the win, while also making five saves. Fellow freshman Scott Armistead (Auckland, New Zealand/Saint Peter's College) played the second half in goal and grabbed three saves.