Irvine, Calif. — The Missouri Baptist University men's soccer team defeated Hope International University, 2-1, on Monday afternoon. Marko Dordevic, who led the team in goals last season, scored both goals for the Spartans, lifting them to a 2-0 start to the 2024 season.

MBU outshot HIU 16-11 and bested the Royals in corner kicks, 7-1. It was another physical match for the Spartans out west, with 16 fouls issued to HIU and 11 to MBU. Eight yellow cards were issued during the match, with both the Spartans and Royals receiving four each.

The Royals struck first, scoring in the 25th minute to take a 1-0 lead. MBU quickly responded, tying the match at 1-1 with a goal from Dordevic in the 32nd minute, his first of the season. The teams went into halftime tied at 1-1.

In the 71st minute, Dordevic netted his second goal of the match to give MBU a 2-1 lead, which the Spartans held onto for the victory. The junior from Belgrade, Serbia also earned man of the match honors for the first time this season. 

The Spartans return to action on Thursday at 9 p.m. CDT, heading north to take on Corban University in Salem, Oregon.