[Men's Soccer] Chargers spoil Mount Mercy’s season opener

SIOUX CITY, Iowa -- Friday's season opener had to look familiar to the Mount Mercy men's soccer team. For the second year in a row, Briar Cliff came through with an overtime goal to sink the Mustangs, 2-1, at Faber Field.

Last season, it was Parker Staroscik with the game winner for the Chargers on Mount Mercy's home field. He scored the first goal in Friday's match, but the overtime heroics were courtesty of Anthony Benitez this time around. It was his score in the 95th minute that gave Briar Cliff the win.

Staroscik's goal in the 16th minute gave the Chargers an early lead, and it wasn't until the 54th minute that Mount Mercy freshman midfielder Henok Russell evened the match with his first collegiate goal on an assist by junior forward Enrique Cortina. The hard-fought match remained tied until the Benitez score in the extra period.

Senior Josh Putz started in goal for the Mustangs (0-1-0), allowing one goal with eight saves. Freshman Antonio Juricic came on in the second half to stop two shots while surrendering the game-winner in overtime. Kyle King had nine saves in the match for the Chargers.

Last year, Mount Mercy went on a 10-game winning streak after the loss to Briar Cliff. The Mustangs can take the first step toward another win streak on Saturday, taking on Dordt at 3:15 p.m. in Sioux Center.