The MBU men's soccer team got the 2009 campaign off to a strong start, picking up two wins in the opening weekend of play. 
 
The Spartans edged out the Vikings of Missouri Valley College (Marshall, Mo.) 4-3 Friday night in the season opener at Sportport in Maryland Heights. Junior Nyron Orr (Trinidad & Tobago) led the offensive attack for the Spartans, scoring two goals in four attempts. Juniors Ian Henry (Ireland) and Ryan Harris (Lewis & Clark CC/Alton, Ill.) scored the team's other two goals. Harris also earned an assist for the Spartans. Junior Ger Coppinger (Ireland) recorded five saves.
"The guys played with the heart of a lion," said MBU Head Coach Deno Merrick. "I am very proud of the way they played. If they can bring the same level of heart and intensity each night, we will have a successful season."   
MBU beat local opponent Maryville University on the Saints' home field 3-1 on Saturday. Freshman Ivan Milicevic (Mehlville H.S./St. Louis) scored his first collegiate goal. Ryan Harris and sophomore Naser Mustafic (Mehlville H.S./St. Louis) also scored a goal apiece. Ger Coppinger made 18 saves at the Spartans' net.
 
The Spartans will travel to Kansas to take on Baker University and Avila University on the 4th and 5th of September respectively. They will then travel to Benedictine College on the 9th of September, before playing host to Kansas Wesleyan University on September 12th at Soccer Park in Fenton.