CALEDONIA, Mich. - You could not ask for a much better beginning to the 2022 men's soccer season after the Panthers picked up a 3-0 win over No. 16 Illinois-Springfield on Thursday afternoon. Despite not having a full allotment of players, the Panthers controlled the match and shut out a nationally-ranked opponent for just the second time since joining NCAA Division II. It was also the first shut out at home against a nationally-ranked opponent in the D2 era. The last time DU opened the season with a non-conference win was in 2017, the first year in the NCAA Division II realm.

"It was an important first win for the boys to start the season," said head coach Chris Hughes. "Our region has very good quality, top to bottom, and today we tested ourselves and kept a shutout. There were many key moments in both halves by several players. We had a great team effort for sure in this one. Today we celebrate, tomorrow we recover, and Saturday we play another top regional opponent in Maryville. Battle On!"

Redshirt senior Matt Whelan was up to his old tricks scoring twice in the contest. It was the eighth time in his career with a multiple goal output and he now has 29 career goals to take over fifth place in DU history. His first tally came in the 10th minute to provide an early spark for the team. Freshman Andrew Dykstra and sophomore Micaiah Papa each had an assist on the goal as Whelan hit a bouncer off the turf to the top left corner from around 15 yards in the middle of the pitch. He scored again in the 44th minute to give DU a 2-0 halftime lead. Redshirt junior Eoin Broughan took a left-footed corner kick and delivered it just past the far post. Redshirt sophomore George Deveau headed it over to Whelan who headed it into space just below the crossbar.

Broughan added to his point total in the 83rd minute with a goal off a free kick. He blasted it top left corner from around 16 yards as goalkeeper Alberto Valsecchi was frozen in his tracks. The Panthers got a little revenge after falling 3-2 at Illinois-Springfield in the 2021 season opener. Davenport finished with nine shots including four shots on goal. The Prairie Stars attempted 14 shots but just two were on frame and saved by sophomore Shane Marinkovich. He picked up his sixth career shutout. The Panthers are back in action on Saturday, Sept. 27 as they host No. 25 Maryville (0-1) in a noon kickoff at the Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex.

Story by: Ryan Thompson