Bradley University Athletics

Soccer Takes Exhibition Opener, 1-0

Newcomer Saadiq Mohammed scored the game's lone goal in the 64th minute

Richard Olson dribbles into midfield vs. Drake

Missouri State Athletics

Bobby Parker, Associate AD for Communications Soccer 8/16/2018 1:36:00 PM

MEMPHIS, TN – Newcomer Saadiq Mohammed made an immediate impact for Bradley Soccer in the its preseason opener Thursday, nodding home a Richard Olson cross in the 64th minute for the game's lone goal in a 1-0 exhibition victory against host Memphis at Bill J. Murphy Track & Soccer Complex.

While Bradley's offense returns its top five scorers from last season, Olson and Mohammed give the Braves are expected to give the Braves added firepower in 2018 and the duo came through as reserves Thursday at Memphis. Olson, who was the team's leading scorer in 2016, but missed the majority of last season as a medical redshirt, finished off Bradley's steady build up in the 64th minute by serving a cross from the right flank. Mohammed, a 6-foot-2 transfer from Saint Louis, made his run through the box and headed home the service for the one breakthrough in an otherwise defensive stalemate.

The teams combined for just nine shots on goal Thursday with the Braves turning a 3-0 halftime deficit into a 5-4 advantage by the final whistle. Junior goalkeepers Nathan Wisbey (1st half) and Albert Reinwart (2nd) combined for the shutout. Wisbey made three first-half saves, while Reinwart made the final stop.

The teams are going to play an extra 30 minutes, but Bradley takes the exhibition opener Thursday at Memphis, 1-0. Goal by Mohammed, assisted by Olson; Wisbey and Reinwart combined shutout. #Kaboom

The Braves will be back in preseason action Saturday at noon at @BelmontMSoccer pic.twitter.com/beB1XILZvF
— Bradley Soccer (@BradleySoccer) August 16, 2018

The teams played an additional 30-minute segment following the regulation 90 minutes, finishing the extra time in a 2-2 draw. The Braves received goals from Daniel Gardner and Brandon Eley in the extra session.

Bradley will have little time to enjoy Thursday's result: the Braves immediately head to Nashville, where they will take on Belmont Saturday afternoon in their final exhibition tune up – a noon start at E.S. Rose Park. Bradley officially will start the 2018 season by playing five of its first six games at home, beginning with the Aug. 24 (7 p.m.) opener versus Gonzaga at Shea Stadium.

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