FAIRFIELD, Conn. - In a thrilling and physical showdown, the Sacred Heart University men's soccer team opened Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) play with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over rival Merrimack College on Saturday afternoon at Park Ave Field.

The lone goal—and game-winner—came from SHU captain David Garcia Gallego, who broke free late in the second half to beat the Warriors' goalkeeper and secure the Pioneers' second conference win of the season.

Records: 
Sacred Heart (3-3-2) 
Merrimack (2-5 1) 
 
Top Performers: 
David Garcia Gallego  - 1 goal, 1 shot on goal
Ivan Morcillo- 3 shots,  3 shots on goal
Danny Istambouli- - 2 shots, 1 shot on goal

Between the Pipes:  
SHU: Luca Marinelli (W,  3-1-1) - 0 goals-against | 4 saves
MC: Nelton Semedo- 1 goal-against | 6  saves 

How it Happened: 

Saturday's match was intense, featuring seven yellow cards and one red as the Pioneers battled the Warriors from the first whistle.

In the 16th minute, a Sacred Heart foul in the box gave Merrimack's Alessandro Bedei a penalty opportunity, but SHU's keeper Luca Marinelli came up big with the first of his four saves.

The game remained scoreless until the 76th minute when Garcia Gallego broke free from the Merrimack defense for a one-on-one chance with Warrior keeper Nelton Semedo. Garcia Gallego calmly finished to give the Pioneers a 1-0 lead.

That strike proved to be the game-winner as Sacred Heart held firm to secure its second MAAC victory of the season.

Of Note: 

• Garcia Gallego scored his first game-winning goal of the season. 

• Marinelli tied a season-high four saves in the victory.