ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Missouri Baptist Men's Soccer closed out its first road trip of the season in dominant fashion on Monday afternoon. Connor Riley, Kristian Dimitrov, and Cullen Barr provided the scoring in a 3-1 win over Concordia-Ann Arbor.
 
The Spartans had all of the ball in the opening half and sent 12 shot attempts toward the Concordia goal. The breakthrough finally came in the 19^th minute. From his own half of the field, Antonio Bussu spotted Connor Riley making a run and played a perfect pass into space. Riley ran onto it for a breakaway and chipped it over the head of the Cardinals' goalkeeper for the opening tally.
 
The Spartans doubled the lead just before halftime. A cross from Matt Peters was headed home to the near post by Kristian Dimitrov. It was the first career goal for Dimitrov and first assist for Peters, both freshmen.
 
It was more of the same after the intermission for the visitors. Once again, Bussu was involved, leading Louie Perez with a stretch pass down the sideline. Perez completed the cross to Cullen Barr, who one-touched it home for a 3-0 Mo. Bap lead. Barr's fourth goal of the year increased his team-lead.
 
Concordia pulled one back with eight minutes left in the second half but that would be as close as they would come. Davide Bucarelli made four saves in the match to earn his 18^th career win in goal.
 
"The guys were buzzing out of the gate today," noted Head Coach Jake Alvernia. "Our composure on the ball was good and we did a good job of squeezing the space defensively. Overall it was a good performance and a productive road trip."
 
Alvernia also had high praise for sophomore defender Richie Taylor, who was named 'Man of the Match.'
 
"Richie really commanded the back line today. He was a monster in the air."
 
The Spartans are now 2-1-1 overall. They'll return home to take on Graceland (Iowa) on Friday at noon.