ST. LOUIS, Mo. – The Southwest Baptist men's soccer team opened Great Lakes Valley Conference play on Saturday afternoon, showing resilience and creating strong scoring chances before ultimately falling 1-3 to Maryville.

The Saints struck first just three minutes into the match, but SBU responded with energy and pressure. That effort paid off in the 35th minute when Giovanni Cascone buried the equalizer into the back of the net off a corner kick, finishing a well-built attack assisted by Edgar Piña Alvarez and Favián Bueso. The goal leveled the match at 1–1 and gave the Bearcats momentum heading into the final moments of the first half. 

Maryville reclaimed the lead in the 40th minute and held a slim 1-2 advantage at the break. SBU continued to test the Saints' back line, recording multiple shots on frame from Dylan Gorman, Ugo Morvan, and Iker Lorenzo, but goalkeeper Asgrimur Vidisson was sharp, making seven saves.

In the closing minutes, Maryville added a late goal to seal the 1-3 result. Goalkeeper Jan-Henry Schafer kept the Bearcats within striking distance for much of the match, recording four saves, including a diving stop in the 73rd minute.

Southwest Baptist (3–2–0, 0–1–0 GLVC) will look to bounce back next Friday when they travel to Jefferson City, Mo., to take on Lincoln in their second GLVC matchup of the year.