THE LEAD

LINCOLN, Ill. -- Two second-half goals from a revamped Lincoln Christian University offset a brilliant Austin DeAngelo goal from the first half and gave the hosts the win.

This was the first game of the season for both teams, and Lincoln Christian has a winning start to the 2018 season.

THE OVERVIEW

• Result: Maranatha 1-2 Lincoln Christian
• Venue: Lincoln Christian University
• Records: MBU (0-1-0), LCU (1-0-0)

THE STORY

It was all one-way traffic in the first half, as Maranatha created numerous chances. Nathan Campbell served in some teasing free kicks, but the LCU goalkeeper kept the MBU shots from finding the back of the net.

The breakthrough came just four minutes before halftime, and it was a brilliant connection. DeAngelo found space at the top of the Red Lions' box and scooped a pass to Tyler Nelson. DeAngelo sprinted behind the Red Lions' defense, and Nelson headed the ball right into his path. DeAngelo made no mistake, as he buried his shot into the far side netting. No surprise that the North Carolina duo were high school teammates.

Entering halftime, the Sabercats held the 1-0 lead.

Stephen Roer almost doubled the Sabercats' lead in the early minutes of the second half, but the sophomore's 20-yard shot crashed off the crossbar.

Lincoln Christian found the equalizer in the 56th minute, as they capitalized on a breakaway opportunity to level the game at 1-1.

Just 15 minutes later, the Red Lions' pressure paid off with the go-ahead goal. This time, it came from a header off of a dangerous corner-kick service - 2-1 LCU.

The closest that Maranatha came to tying the game was a 20-yard strike from Bryant Sturgill, but the freshman's attempt was brushed aside by the diving LCU goalkeeper. 

THE STATS

• DeAngelo's goal was his second goal as a Sabercat.
• Nelson logged his eighth career assist.
• Lincoln Christian takes just their second win in the all-time series.
• Maranatha leads the all-time series, 21-2-1.
• Debuts: the following players made their collegiate debut: Joel Shepard, Josh Hockema, Bryant Sturgill

THE OUTLOOK

The Sabercats will play their second game of the season tomorrow at Greenville University. Find details of the game at mbusabercats.com/composite.