Men's Soccer Opens Season With Big Win

Macomb, IL - The Graceland men's soccer team kicked off its 2012 campaign in strong fashion Friday evening with a 1-0 win over NCAA division I, Western Illinois.

Brandon Beresford notched the only goal of the match in the GU victory after he headed in a Milan Bogic free-kick just inside the left post in the forty-third minute. The Graceland defense and goalie Christian Quintanilla did the rest shutting out the Leathernecks in the win.

Quintanilla recorded four saves and defenders Guillermo Gallegos and Tyler Wood were solid on the back line. The Jackets were out-shot by Western Illinois, 19-5 but were able to keep the Leathernecks from getting quality shots inside the box.

Head coach Guillermo Sanchez was excited about the win following the match but knows his team still has lots of work to do.

"This game was won on hard work and discipline from our defenders positioning," said Sanchez on the drive home. "The whole team came ready to work for one another. Hopefully that continues throughout the season.

"This team has an excellent balance of talent and hard-working players that always play for each other," continued Sanchez. "I'm excited of where this team can go if they continue to work hard and play together."

The Jackets will host Doane College in its home-opener Tuesday night at 7pm. Stay tuned to GUjackets.com for continuing coverage of the Graceland men's soccer team and all of Jacket athletics.