Livonia, Mich. — A goal in each half lifted No. 25 Madonna over the Aquinas men's soccer team Saturday afternoon (Sept. 30) in Livonia, Mich. 

The Crusaders (6-3-1, 1-1 WHAC) rebounded after dropping a 1-0 decision to Cleary on Wednesday (Sept. 27) to pick up their first conference win. The Saints (6-2-1, 2-1 WHAC) saw their six-game unbeaten streak come to end and suffered their first lost on the road this season.

Aquinas came into the conference contest with the memory of losing to Madonna in the WHAC Tournament semifinals last season, 0-0 (4-2 on penalty kicks). Overtime wasn't necessary on Saturday in an early 11:30 a.m. afternoon affair.

Ryushin Hirami opened the scoring in the 28th minute with Daniel Watkins on the assist. Andres Gomez then added an unassisted insurance goal in the 87th minute to secure Madonna's 2-0 win.

The Crusaders outshot the Saints, 18-11 (7-6 shots on target). Six different Saints picked up AQ's shots on target: Jesunifemi Ojutalayo, Andrea Ghiggini, Ricardo Rittersberger, Tevan Jones, Jasper Schinkel and Milan Hoeffnagel.

Madonna goalkeeper Nathan Lamberti stopped all of them to earn the Crusaders' fifth shutout of the season. AQ goalie Antonio Strassioto saved five shots in the defeat.

A total of 41 fouls and nine yellow cards were called in the physical clash.

The Saints are back on the road Wednesday (Oct. 4) with a 2 p.m. kickoff against Rochester. AQ has won four straight against the Warriors.