ST. LOUIS—Missouri Baptist Men's Soccer was held off the scoreboard for the fourth consecutive game on Tuesday night in Fulton, Mo. The Spartans were knocked off 1-0 by (RV) William Woods.
 
The Owls started fast and never gave the visiting Spartans a chance to breathe. MBU keeper Davide Bucarelli made five saves in the first 15 minutes of the match. Woods finally broke through after 25 minutes had passed. The Owls' Billy Nzojyibwami fired a laser of a shot past Bucarelli to break the deadlock.
 
After just 45 minutes of play, the total shot count was 14-0 in favor of the home side. Bucarelli made seven saves in the first half and two more after the break.
 
At the other end of the field, the Spartan offense could not get things clicking. Their best chance came on a free kick with five minutes remaining in regulation. A loose ball ricocheted off MBU's Richie Taylor but safely into the arms of the Owls' goalkeeper.
 
Bucarelli earned 'Man of the Match' honors.
 
"Davide stood on his head tonight," noted Head Coach Jake Alvernia. "He kept us in the game."
 
"All credit to William Woods," Alvernia continued. "Our boys played hard, but they were definitely the better side."
 
Missouri Baptist is now 3-3-1 on the season. They'll play their final non-conference game on Saturday against Brescia University before resuming AMC play on September 18 at home against Williams Baptist. Saturday's kickoff in Owensboro, Ky. is scheduled for 6 pm.