By Grace Malec, Sports Editor
Finishing the 2023 season on a high note by competing in both the WHAC tournament and NAIA national tournament, the Saints are ready for a fight this season. Receiving first in the WHAC coaches poll this season and showing off with wins against Saint Xavier and Trinity Christian, the outlook is bright for the AQ men’s soccer team this season. This past Saturday, Sep. 7, The Aquinas Men’s Soccer team held their home opener for the 2024 season against the Taylor University Trojans. Remaining undefeated, the Saints took the victory over the Trojans 3-0.
Not only did Men’s soccer hold their home opener, but they also hosted the Student Section’s Game of the week. Students packed the stands in Hawaiian shirts, leis and sunglasses as they cheered for the Saints. With appearances from the AQ Drumline and the Aquinas mascot and icon, Nelson, the game environment was electric.
Both Aquinas and Taylor put up a fierce fight in the first half. After 45 minutes of play, the buzzer sounded and the score remained 0-0. After halftime, the Saints came back ready to attack. Just 42 seconds into the second half, Ricardo Rittersberger broke his way into the goal and scored, assisted by Yussef Hakmaoui. 12 minutes after the 0-0 scoreless tie breaking goal, Jasper Schinkel shot in a goal of his own. Even with Rittersberger scoring the first goal, he was still hungry for more, shooting in one additional goal with the assistance of Mason Sills.
After the shut-out win, the Saints stand strong. With goalie Ivan Radovic saving all 3 shots on goal from the Taylor Trojans, every member of the team worked together to take the 3-0 victory over the Taylor University Trojans.
The men’s soccer team are back in action, taking on WHAC conference competitors Indiana Tech and Spring Arbor away and returning home for a homecoming matchup against Madonna University.
Photo 1: The team celebrates Jasper Schinkel’s goal
Photo 2: Nelson rocks his Hawaiian gear for the game of the week!
Photo 3: Ricardo Rittersberger’s first goal of the game is celebrated by the team
All photos taken by Grace Malec
The Saint 