UNIVERSITY CENTER, Mich. - Exhale time for the Davenport men's soccer team as they got the monkey off their back in a 4-0 win on the road at Saginaw Valley State. The Panthers had not tasted a win over a 10-match streak since the final seven games of 2018 and the first three games this season. That all changed in convincing fashion with a barrage of goals against a talented Cardinal squad that advanced to the NCAA Tournament round of 16 a year ago and posted an 11-3-6 overall record. It was also just the second win over the Cardinals in 10 all-time meetings. The first win occurred in the GLIAC Tournament championship during the 2017 season.

COACHES CORNER - CHRIS HUGHES
"It was a great team effort today. There were many players that needed to shine and did. Matt Whelan and Evan Marquess were effective in the offensive end. Daire O'Riordan and Eoin Broughan really solidified the midfield. The back line and our goalkeeper Joshua Doupe kept the clean sheet. It was an important win and we will take a moment and celebrate today. Tomorrow though it shifts to Northwood and we want to keep this feeling going forward."

NOTES AND NUMBERS
- The four goals by the Panthers was the first time they scored that many since September 30 last year at Parkside.
- The Panthers got a break early and the tone was set. In the second minute, DU received a direct free kick inches outside the 18-yard box at the top. Evan Marquess used his left foot to pin-point the ball into the top left corner. It was the second tally of the season for Marquess who had just one goal in 2018.
- Matt Whelan then got into the action with back-to-back goals. His first one was in the 17th minute and was assisted by Tyler Welch. The ball was played from left to right across the box and Welch put one towards the net. A Cardinal defender headed it back to Whelan who buried the mistake from 10 yards out.
- Whelan made it 3-0 in the 47th minute with his third goal of the season. He made a run into the box and got a feed from Eoin Broughan. The shot was taken from around eight yards. For Whelan, it was his second career two-goal game with the last on September 4, 2018 against Missouri S&T.
- Miguel Flores ended the scoring in the 87th minute with his first of the season and fifth of his career. Off a loose ball, Flores took possession and shot from 18 yards out.
- Joshua Doupe got his first shutout in his second career start. He finished with six saves including four in the second half.
- SVSU led 14-10 in total shots and both teams had six shots on goal. Mason Maziasz allowed four goals and made two saves for Saginaw Valley State.
- Davenport improved to 1-3 overall, 1-0 GLIAC while the Cardinals are now 2-2-1, 0-1 GLIAC.

WHAT'S NEXT
The Panthers (1-3, 1-0) will play their four road game in five contests and stay in the GLIAC as they travel to Midland, Michigan. Kickoff is slated for 3 p.m. on Sunday against Northwood. The Timberwolves will bring a 3-1-1 record into the game and blanked Ashland 3-0 on Friday in their GLIAC opener. All five of their games this season have been at home.

Story by Ryan Thompson