It took the Saint Martin’s men’s soccer team just one game in the 2026 season to match its 2025 win total and half of its scoring output in 18 games.
The Saints opened their 20th campaign with a dominant 5-0 victory over Walla Walla Thursday. It's the first time Saint Martin’s has started 1-0 since 2023 and the first time the Saints have piled up five goals since Oct. 1, 2022. Additionally, the Saints tallied their biggest margin of victory since Sept. 7, 2019.
Senior forward Cole Sullivan got the scoring started in the fourth minute with a goal off a pass by Xander Koenig. Then, Koenig took care of the offense himself with two goals in an 11-minute span, including one in the 14th minute with an assist by Juan Diaz and another in the 25th minute from Jonathan Wright.
Up 3-0 at halftime, the Saints poured it on in the final seven minutes thanks to goals by Ismail Mamadou and Diaz. Diaz finished with two assists.
Saint Martin’s outshot Walla Walla 19-6, including 9-2 in shots on goal. Senior goalkeeper Connor Leistiko played all 90 minutes in net and recorded a pair of saves. A total of 26 Saints suited up in the regular season opener.
Saint Martin’s (1-0) now heads north to face Westmont in Burnaby, British Columbia, Saturday afternoon at Terry Fox Field. After a trip to California for two more non-conference games next week, the Saints will return home Thursday, Sept. 10 to face Chaminade.
