Central Bible University erased an early deficit with two goals just over a minute apart and added an insurance goal in the second half to earn a 3-1 victory over Ohio Christian University on Thursday in the Saints' 2026 season opener.

Ohio Christian (0-1) struck first in the ninth minute when Max Spencer scored off an assist from Eliel Kisoka, giving the Trailblazers a 1-0 advantage at the 8:51 mark.

The Saints (1-0) responded quickly.

Baraka Grodya pulled Central even in the 20th minute, scoring his first goal of the season at the 19:03 mark. Just 1:03 later, Rafael Agapito found the back of the net off an assist from Pedro Santos to put the Saints in front, 2-1.

Central carried the one-goal advantage into halftime after controlling much of the offensive action in the opening 45 minutes. The Saints outshot Ohio Christian 10-5 in the first half and finished the match with a 14-8 advantage in total shots and a 9-6 edge in shots on goal.

Pedro Freire Franco provided some breathing room in the 79th minute, scoring at the 78:34 mark to extend the Central lead to 3-1.

Franco was a constant threat in the Central attack, finishing with a match-high seven shots, including five on goal, and one goal. Grodya recorded three shots and a goal, while Agapito scored on one of his two attempts. Santos registered the Saints' lone assist.

Jake Gracey went the distance in goal for Central, allowing one goal while making five saves. Ohio Christian goalkeeper David Spicer Jr. recorded six saves while surrendering three goals.

The Saints close out the two-game road trip with an exhibition match at Mount Vernon Nazarene University tonight at 6 p.m.