ARLINGTON, Va. – The Marymount (Va.) University men's soccer team opened up Capital Athletic Conference play on Saturday night, dropping a 2-0 decision to the University of Mary Washington at Long Bridge Park. 

The opening 45 minutes played much in the favor of the Eagles, totaling five corners and nine shots. However, the nine shots were stifled by the backline of the Saints, seeing just four of them go on target, all of which were scooped up by freshman goalkeeper John Valcicak. 

On the Saints' offensive end, they managed to fire off four attempts, including a hard-lined shot by sophomore Mynor Lopez that just soared over the crossbar. None made it on target though, as the game went scoreless into the break. 

Just over five minutes into the second half, the Eagles found an opportunity. A cross from the right side was punched out by Valcicak, making its way to the top of the 18-yard box. Unable to clear it, Mary Washington's Ryan Van Maanen closed in on the loose ball to fire off a liner to the right side of the net past the outstretched arms of Valcicak for the 1-0 advantage. 

The Eagles added a second a few minutes later on a back-post header finish following a corner kick. A cross by Gabriel Soriano went short side for the header off Conor Mac Murdy, which skimmed off to the back post for another header by Riley Fisher for the redirection into the net and a 2-0 lead. 

The Saints continued to battle through the remainder of the half, but the backline of the Eagles held the blue and white to just one shot. It was a strong attempt though, seeing senior Max Milone send a hard shot from the top of the box to the left side of the net. Unfortunately, the shot went through traffic, redirected off a defenders leg and sent out of bounds. 

Through the remainder of the match, MU struggled to find the offensive end, as the game held at 2-0. 

Valcicak tended the net for the full 90 minutes, turning away five shots. 

The men head on the road for their next match, traveling to Hampden-Sydney College on Wednesday, September 28. First touch is set for 7 p.m.