Bolivar, Mo. – The SBU men's soccer team picked up its first GLVC victory of the season Saturday, using an early goal and a strong defensive performance to defeat Lewis University 1-0 at the SBU Soccer Field. The win moves the Bearcats to 4-2-1 overall and 1-2-1 in conference play.
SBU controlled the game early on and wasted little time getting on the board as Luis Sanchez-Barbudo Cruz found the back of the net in the 10th minute. The goal was his third of the season and gave the Bearcats an early 1-0 advantage.
That lone goal proved to be all SBU needed.
The Bearcat defense held strong throughout the remainder of the match, particularly in the second half as Lewis pushed for an equalizer. Dylan Gorman came up with several big defensive plays throughout the match, including a stop on the goal line, helping shut down dangerous opportunities and preserve the clean sheet. The Flyers attempted nine shots and earned five corner kicks after halftime, but SBU kept them off the scoreboard to secure the conference victory.
Jan-Henry Schäfer played all 90 minutes in goal for Southwest Baptist, helping the Bearcats record their fourth shutout of the season, recording four saves. SBU and Lewis each finished with 12 total shots, while the Flyers put five on goal compared to three for the Bearcats.
Sanchez-Barbudo Cruz led the way offensively with two shots and the match's only goal. Étienne Breton and Justin McPherson also recorded two shots apiece.
The victory moves SBU to 4-2-1 overall and 1-2-1 in GLVC play. The Bearcats will remain at home Wednesday, September 23, when they host Missouri S&T at 1:30 p.m.
