WEST DES MOINES, IA – Host Drake scored once in each half and limited visiting Bradley (1-3-2, 0-1-0 MVC) to just three shots on goal en route to a 2-0 victory in the Missouri Valley Conference opener for both teams Saturday night at Valley Field.
 
Austin Smythe netted his first goal of the season in the 19th minute, finishing off a sequence started by Antonio Sanchez and Antonio Melendez.  Leroy Ensuguzi's third goal of the season in the 53rd minute completed the scoring.
 
After being outshot, 7-1, in the first half, the Braves turned up the pressure in the second half, outshooting the hosts, 8-5, in the final 45 minutes.  Drake keeper Luke Anderson, however, made three saves after the break to earn the shutout.  Bradley also owned a 5-1 advantage in second-half corner kicks.
 
Bradley keeper Albert Reinwart, a last-minute replacement for injured Nathan Wisbey, also made three saves for the Braves.
 
The Braves will complete their first 3-game road swing of the season Wednesday by visiting Loyola Chicago for a 7 p.m. game to be broadcast on ESPN+.