The Omaha men’s soccer team defeated St. Thomas at Caniglia Field in its Summit League opener behind a clean sheet from junior goalie Kamy Ndione.
The Mavericks got an early chance to score when senior forward Kaito Ueki was fouled in the 12th minute, setting up graduate forward Theo Klein for a penalty kick.
Klein had no trouble putting through his 21st goal as a Maverick, giving Omaha a 1-0 lead in the early goings.
The Mavericks kept their foot on the gas with another score in the 24th minute by sophomore defender Maguire Perkins, his second goal of the year. Perkins’ goal was assisted by sophomore forward Bradley Takamo.
The Tommies (4-2-3, 0-1-0 Summit League) had no offensive answer in the first half with zero shots on goal. The Mavericks went into halftime with a two-goal cushion.
Omaha went into defensive overdrive in the second half, holding off St. Thomas’ many attempts to cut into the Mavericks’ lead.
The Tommies had five shots on goal during the second half. Ndione saved all five tries, securing the clean sheet with no goals allowed on the night.
Ndione reflected on the Mavericks’ second straight win postgame.
“It was a good win today,” Ndione said. “It’s gonna be harder each game to make input for skill and maturity.”
Omaha (2-5-2, 1-0-0 Summit League) hopes to maintain its momentum and secure its first road win of the season against Kansas City (4-2-4, 0-1-0 Summit League). The Mavericks will suit up against the Roos at Durwood Soccer Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 4 at 7 p.m.
