ST. LOUIS – Missouri Baptist University men's soccer defeated the University of Jamestown, 3-2, on Thursday evening, propelled by three first-half goals.

"I thought our boys played really well today," said head coach Jake Alvernia. "Our midfield of Ognjen, Jovan, and Carney were brilliant tonight. They'll share the honor of man of the match. Credit to Jamestown for making it difficult. We were really focused on a clean sheet tonight, but unfortunately, their PK gave them a little momentum. I was happy we could see it out."

The win improved the Spartans' record to 7-5 overall and 3-2 at home.

Goals from Ognjen Bozovic, Edvin Mahmutovic, and Anthony Coppotelli were enough to withstand two second-half tallies from the Jimmies in their comeback attempt.

MBU outshot Jamestown 11-10 and had five shots on goal compared to the Jimmies' four.

Jamestown committed 16 fouls to MBU's nine throughout the evening, with the Jimmies earning three yellow cards and the Spartans just one.

In the fourth minute, Bozovic scored his third goal of the season off a header, assisted by Emilio Hernandez, to give the Spartans an early 1-0 lead.

Later, in the 15th minute, Mahmutovic recorded his fourth goal of the season off an assist from Jovan Mihajlovic, extending MBU's lead to 2-0. The sophomore has now scored in three straight games for the Spartans.

Coppotelli added his first goal of the season in the 38th minute, giving MBU a 3-0 lead to close out the half.

The Jimmies nearly completed the comeback in the second half, scoring in the 82nd and 88th minutes. However, the Spartans held on for the 3-2 victory.

MBU (7-5) returns to action on Tuesday, Oct. 15, against Central Baptist College at Spartan Field. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m.