DEERFIELD, Ill. -- It was a wild wind-swept day in Northern Illinois, and the Sabercats battled Trinity International (NCCAA DI) to a hard-fought 4-0 loss.

This was the Sabercats' first and only matchup of the season against an NCCAA DI opponent, and they will turn their attention to Saturday and a rematch with the Finlandia University Lions in Hancock, Michigan.

OVERVIEW

• Result: Maranatha 0-4 Trinity Int'l
• Venue: Schartner Field - Trinity International University
• Location: Deerfield, Illinois
• Attendance: 50
• Record: MBU (4-7-1), TIU (7-5-0) 

STORY

The Trojans pushed for a goal early on but met with resistance, as the Sabercats didn't give an inch in the opening exchanges. Trinity persisted, however, and found their breakthrough 12 minutes in through the left foot of Xavier Brown.

Maranatha's defense stayed tight, forcing nothing more than speculative attempts from their hosts. Aaron Jones broke behind the Trojans' defense in an effort to tie things up, but the hosts recovered in time to frustrate the little momentum that Maranatha had.

Just 20 seconds left in the first half, and Trinity doubled their lead to dampen the Sabercats' spirits going into the break - Jonathan Mueller finished a well-worked counter-attack with a shot to the near post.

In the second half, the Sabercats had to weather an even tougher storm than the considerable wind sweeping through Schartner Field. Trinity piled on the pressure and wouldn't let up, rattling off 18 shots in the second half alone.

TIU scored in the 51st minute through the right foot of Marqiis Haywood, and then Mueller added his second with 15 minutes left. 

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Maranatha Starters: 00- Balyo, 2- T. Holloway (C), 5- Jones, 8- Davis, 9- Wright (C), 10- Schmidt, 11- Beachell, 16- Kirchner, 20- P. Holloway, 21- Hansel (C), 23- Perkins

STATS

• Shot count: Maranatha 2-33 Trinity Int'l
• Series: This is the first match-up between Maranatha and Trinity International

OPPONENTS

• Trinity Int'l competes in the NCCAA Dl North Central Region
• Trinity Int'l also competes in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference
• Trinity Int'l finished the 2021 season with a record of 3-14-0

NEXT

The Sabercats travel to Hancock, Mich. to take on Finlandia University on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. EDT. Follow along at mbusabercats.com/schedule.