The Wright State University men’s soccer team started a winning streak as they kick off their Horizon League games for the season.
On Wednesday, Sept. 9, the Wright State Raiders traveled to Milwaukee University (MKE) for their Horizon League opener and added their second win of the 2026-27 year.
Six minutes into the kick off, midfielder Brian Burkett added a point for the Raiders in a penalty kick, making the score 1-0.
Before the next goal of the game, the Panthers and the Raiders went back and forth between fouls. MKE had two missed shots that were saved by WSU goalkeeper Alex Normandeau.
Freshman forward Cairo Duarte added to the Raiders lead with the final goal of the first half, making the score 2-0. Duarte was later named the Under Armour Horizon League Player of the Week.
Adam Maloney, the assistant coach for the Raiders soccer team, talked about the roles for the team and the success of Duarte.
"The guys are doing a good job of understanding their roles and expectations. Individual honors recognize the work that they put in, so we're happy for Cairo," Maloney said.
Going into the second half of the game, it seemed that the Raiders had lost their momentum, allowing MKE to score three minutes in making it a one point game. Moments later, the Panthers were able to tie up the game off of a corner kick making the score 2-2.
WSU attempted to fire back, taking multiple shots on goal, but MKE goalkeeper Filip Dostanic responded to each, keeping the score unchanged.
In the final minutes of the match, junior forward Keiji Nakazawa made an assist to freshman defender Daniel Panait off of a corner kick, giving the Raiders the match with a 3-2 final.
This is the Raiders first Horizon League win of the season.
The streak continued against the Green Bay Phoenix with a final score of 3-1, making them 2-0-0 in their conference.
Maloney adds why getting these wins and what is being kept in mind going further into the season.
"We talk about habits all the time. Choosing hard is supposed to be the standard. If we do what we're supposed to do between games, in training, the classroom, or taking care of our bodies, then we'll be in a good position to compete," Maloney said.
The Raiders will compete against Purdue Fort Wayne on Saturday, Sept. 19, which will be their third Horizon League game of the season, in hopes to continue the streak.
