LEBANON, Tenn. – The (RV) Missouri Baptist University men's soccer team secured a 1-0 shutout on the road at Cumberland University Wednesday afternoon in one final matchup before heading into the bulk of conference play. With the first clean sheet of the season, MBU improved to 3-1-3 overall and protected its current unbeaten streak on the road (1-0-2).

The Spartans spent the majority of the first half on the Phoenix's side of the field, looking to get their first goal. MBU had some great looks but couldn't make it through Cumberland's defense. On the other end of the field, senior Matteo Gigliozzi made his first start in goal this year. The Sarzana, Italy native was able to stop each shot that came his way, posting three saves in the first half.

Two minutes into the second half, the Spartans were able to take the lead. Freshman Sergej Misic cut in behind the backline, connecting on a pass from Jovan Mihajlovic. In a one-on-one with the Phoenix goalie, Misic came out on top, earning his second goal of the season.  

Not long after the Spartan goal, MBU's Jack Ridley was ousted from the game on a straight red card via a risky tackle. It was a daunting task for MBU to play a man down for the rest of the contest – 40 minutes, 20 seconds, to be exact – and hold off the Phoenix. Gigliozzi was holding his own in goal until he came off the field following a collision with a CU player. Fellow senior and the usual starter Callum McKinlay made his way onto the field to replace Gigliozzi.  

With the Spartans down to 10 players, McKinlay and the rest of the defense were tested. MBU settled into their half, holding off the Phoenix attackers. The Spartans fended off all six shots on goal that came their way and 11 corner kicks in the second half.

The win was made all the more special today as it is the birthday of the late Brendan McAllister, whom MBU lost earlier this year. "Credit to Cumberland coach Shane Keely for allowing us a moment to recognize Mac's birthday today," said MBU head coach Jacob Alvernia.

Coach Alvernia said, "[It was a] hard-fought game that was changed on a questionable red card…In the end, Sergej took his chance well. We defended like a pack of wolves and kept a clean sheet against a very good side."

To wrap up Homecoming Week festivities, (RV) Missouri Baptist will host the University of Health Sciences & Pharmacy – its first AMC opponent – on Saturday (Sept. 23) under the lights at 7:30 p.m.