The men's soccer team earned a dramatic road victory today against Trinity International, stunning their hosts with a goal off a free-kick with just three seconds remaining. The win improves the Saints to 1-1-2 on the season and is the first coaching victory for first-year coach Luke Ruff as a Saint. 

The Saints got off to a slow start against TIU, trailing 1-0 at the half after conceding a goal late in the period. The Saints could've been down more than that, as they were outshot 10-5 in the first 45 minutes and gave up four corner-kicks to their hosts. However, freshman goalkeeper Antonio Strassioto kept the Saints in the game, making seven first half saves. 

Aquinas would equalize early in the second-half, with Bailey Whalley scoring off a Fin Pittock pass less than two minutes into the half to make it 1-1. Whalley would strike again less than two minutes later to stun Trinity International and give the Saints a 2-1 lead. This time defender Andrea Ghiggini assisted on the play. 

The Saints dominated play in the second-half, earning nine corner-kicks to TIU's zero, and out-shooting their hosts 13-4 in the period. It looked as if the Saints would claim their first win of the season, as time was fading away in the second-half and the Saints maintained their 2-1 lead. However, after two remarkable saves by Strassioto, TIU pounced on a loose ball and found the back of the net to tie things at 2-2 with just over two minutes remaining in regulation.

Undeterred, the Saints pressed on, desperate to find the deciding goal. After winning a header in their half and gaining possession, the Saints went on the attack, and after Mohammed Mustapha was fouled outside of the box on a run towards goal, the Saints had the chance they needed. Fouled with only three seconds remaining, the Saints had one last chance to win it in regulation, with Alberto Teatin over the ball for a free kick. Teatin curled the ball up and over the wall to the far post, where it found freshman defender Jai Tahlan, who in turn found the back of the net for the game winner. Tahlan's first goal as a Saint couldn't have come a better time, as zeroes hit the clock and the Saints earned their first victory of the year. 

The Saints are back in action tomorrow as they finish up their road-trip with a tussle with St. Francis (Ill) in Chicago at 12:00 pm.