ST. LOUIS- Joe Wonsewith netted his NAIA-leading sixth game winning goal of the season, as the Missouri Baptist men's soccer team defeated Avila University, 1-0. The Spartans improve to 8-4-3 on the season and will look to better their 3-3-2 AMC record when they travel to Mid-Continent on Saturday afternoon.
Corbin Rodriguez made two saves in the game, both in the second half, and earned his second shutout of the season.
Wonsewith and Greg Kranz each had two shots on goal to lead the MBU offense, but it was the Spartan defense that was the difference maker. "We put the pressure on Avila the entire 90 minutes," said head coach Jake Alvernia. "I was really impressed with the way we played defensively."
Less than five minutes into the contest, Wonsewith blasted his AMC-leading 14th goal of the season. Alen Palislamovic was fouled just outside the box, giving Wonsewith a free kick opportunity. He has now recorded at least one point in 13-of-15 games this season.
Avila nearly tied the game with seven minutes left in the first half when John McNair drilled a shot off the crossbar. The Spartans would take a 1-0 lead into the halftime break. Corbin Rodriguez did not record a save in the first half, as the four Eagle shots missed the net.
In the second half, the Spartans had two shots on goal, but could not increase the lead. Rodriguez made one of the biggest plays of the game. With one minute remaining in the game, Avila blasted a shot on goal and the Spartan goal keeper made an excellent save to keep the Eagles off the board. "That play was unreal," said Alvernia. "He just got enough of the ball, as it hit his fingertips."
Coach Alvernia and his team will travel to AMC foe Mid-Continent and look to improve on their 3-3-2 record. The Spartans are currently in fifth place in the standings, while Mid-Continent is attempting to jump in front of MBU in the standings.
