OWINGS MILLS, Md. – Junior defender Andrew DeLuca converted a penalty kick in the 77th minute after freshman Thomas Taylor was brought down in the box, as the Stevenson men's soccer team won its sixth straight season opener, 1-0 over St. Vincent, Friday evening at Mustang Stadium.

Junior goal keeper Ryan Callinan made three saves to record his second career clean sheet, as DuLuca's first career goal proved to be the difference.

Stevenson (1-0) outshot Saint Vincent (0-1), 20-12, for the contest, and dominated the second half, firing a 15 shots towards the Bearcat goal.

The hosts nearly gained a dream start to the season as less than two minutes into the match senior Dino Gilmanov swung an inviting free kick into the box from 40 yards out.  After a bounce, sophomore Landon Easler headed the ball towards the top corner, but Bearcat goalie Eric Houghton rose high to parry the shot wide for a corner. 

The visitors slowly worked into the game and looked to break the deadlock on the quarter of an hour mark.  Bearcat midfielder Brody Ruffner sent Scott Luthy through, but Callinan was quick off his line and did well to save the low effort.

Stevenson was quick to turn the tide and nearly struck less than a minute later as Gilmanov slid a pass to the back post, but a scrambling Houghton was able to block junior Zachary Martin at the last second.

The two teams continued to trade chances with the visitors coming the closest to opening the score line as Luthy headed a long throw-in by Kevin Proctor over the bar.

Right out of the break, Saint Vincent looked to stake claim to the game, but Zachary Kocak failed to convert his chance.  Minutes later the Mustangs nearly made the Bearcats pay, but junior Reid Hawkins' toe poke at the near post off of a corner was saved off the line.

Just before the hour mark, the Mustangs had back-to-back chances through sophomore Adnan Alic and Martin, but Houghton did well to turn both efforts away.  Stevenson continued to pepper the Bearcat net, but the senior goalie kept the hosts at bay, finishing the night with ten saves.

Stevenson finally broke through 13 minutes from time as DeLuca converted from the spot.  The chance came after Taylor was brought down at the top of the box and DeLuca duly stepped up and sent the ensuing spot kick into the side netting to Houghton's left.

The Mustangs continued to press, looking to double their lead, but had to settle for the 1-0 victory.

Stevenson returns to action on Saturday afternoon as the Mustangs wrap up opening weekend against St. Joseph's (L.I.).  Kick-off is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. at Mustang Stadium.