The Aquinas men's soccer team kicked off its 2019 campaign on Saturday with a 1-1 overtime draw against a strong Indiana Wesleyan team at Christian Athletic Complex in Grand Rapids.
 
The match was the first for head coach Luke Ruff and many new starters for a program that looks to make significant progress during the course of the season.
 
The Saints controlled the balance of possession early, however, the Wildcats scored the first goal of the game in the 14th minute on the counter attack. Filipe Mendonca was the goal scorer with assists from Phillip Basara and Garrett Troupe.
 
AQ responded seven minutes after the Indiana Wesleyan goal with an equalizer from Bailley Whalley in the 20th minute. Whalley received an over-the-top through ball from Damir Sabanovic, ran in on goal and drove it past the goalkeeper.
 
The match went back and forth for the rest of the first half as well as the second half and went to overtime. There were several chances throughout overtime, but neither team could capitalize on them. Nevertheless, the Saints were able to earn a draw against a very talented team.
 
Aquinas had the advantage in shots on goal with eight compared to the Wildcats seven while Indiana Wesleyan had a 21-14 advantage in total shots. Whalley and Franco Calabrese led AQ in shots with four. All four of Whalley's shots were on goal.
 
The Saints are back in action on Wednesday, August 28th when they host Saint Xavier in Grand Rapids at 7:00 PM.