MIDDLEFIELD—Last fall, Cardinal exploded for 12 goals in a dominating win at Grand Valley.
Monday’s non-conference rematch at Richard A. Moss Stadium wasn’t nearly as lopsided as the Huskies downed the Mustangs, 2-0.
“Grand Valley is by far the most improved team we’ve seen,” said Cardinal coach Mike Topalian. “Last year wasn’t a very close game but they were solid today and actually outplayed us in the first half.”
Cardinal took a 1-0 lead early in the first half when Jake Revak finished off an assist from Alex Hutchinson.
“Jake made a great play off a beautiful assist from Hutch,” Topalian said.
Eric Scott scored an unassisted goal in the second half to close out the scoring.
“That was Scott’s first goal,” Topalian said. “That was a hustle goal. He followed it up and was in the right place at the right time.”
Grand Valley pressured Cardinal goalkeeper Austin Miller throughout the contest but came away empty as Miller fended off each attempt.
He finished with 10 saves.
“I’ve got to thank my defense first off,” Miller said. “They have been doing a good job all season keeping the guys away and keeping the balls out. We all trained really hard this summer to get where we are now.”
The Huskies, who improved to 3-0-1 on the year, have now allowed just two goals in four games.
“The defense was solid all day,” Topalian said. “Grand Valley had some good players up front and our guys did a really good job containing them. They held their formation and held the center pretty well. They didn’t gap us, which is what they were trying to do. I’m proud of them for sure.”
Cardinal travels to Beachwood on Tuesday.
