ADRIAN, Mich. -- The Adrian College men's soccer team opened the 2022 season on the road at crosstown rival Siena Heights University on Thursday night. The Bulldogs battled 90 minutes short staffed and dropped the opening match 1-0. Adrian was missing three of their projected starters due to injury and illness.

Adrian struggled the first half as they were out-shot by the Saints 15-2. Goaltender Jackson Vacca kept the Bulldogs alive making six saves out of the seven first half shots on goal he faced. In the 35th minute, Siena Heights sneaked in a goal to break the silence.

"We atarted very slow in tempo and energy, but Jackson Vacca made some very huge saves to keep the game 1-0 at the half," said head coach Mike Hatfield.

The Bulldogs showed signs of life in the second half with a shot on goal and opportunities on three corner kicks. Unfortunately for Adrian, they couldn't find the back of the net.

"The second half the guys played with fire in their heats to have and create over five to six great chances to tie the game," expressed Hatfield. "What I saw in the second half was a team I know this group can be. We are still very young and learning some very key things about ourselves and our teammates. I think this group took ten steps forward in the second half alone."

The 2022 Bulldogs through a completly different team at the Saints than last year where Adrian lost to Siena Heights 3-1 at home.

Dante Perri recorded two shots on the night including one on goal while Luke Grytza added the team's second shot on goal.

Adrian returns to action on Saturday, September 3 at 7:00 PM against Heidelberg University in another non-conference battle at Docking Stadium.