V-Hawks Open 2022 with Home Shutout Win

LA CROSSE, Wis. – The Viterbo University Men's Soccer team opened their 2022 season with a 2-0 win over Cardinal Stritch University. The V-Hawks improve to 1-0 on the season, while the Wolves drop to 0-1.

The Wolves started the game aggressively, taking the first three shot of the game, including a header by Rutger Hesselink that was blocked by Viterbo. Cardinal Stritch's Edvin Grolimund would also receive a yellow card in the 15^th minute.

Viterbo's first shot of the season came from Sammy Ankaoglu, but went high of the goal. At the 20:12 mark, Sebastian Acosta's corner kick found Jasper Bruisten for a header goal to put Viterbo up 1-0. CSU has one last shot to end the first half, but hit the post and VU took the lead into halftime.

The second half began with more shots by the Wolves, but V-Hawk goalie Ernesto Ascenzo recorded three saves in seven minutes to keep the shutout going in the 72^nd minute. In the 85^th minute, Bruisten's sliding pass found a streaking Dakota Hatzenbeller for a goal to go up 2-0. Cardinal Stritch would attempt a few more shots in the final minute, but Ascenzo would save the only one on goal.

Viterbo took three shots with two on goal and two goals, while Cardinal Stritch took 13 shots and four landed on goal.

Ascenzo had four saves and improves to 1-0. Alexandre Baranes drops to 0-1.

The V-Hawks return to action Tuesday, August 23 at Rockford University (Ill.).