Statesmen Hold Off St. Ambrose for 1-0 League Upset

William Penn University Athletics

Oskaloosa–The William Penn men’s soccer team played likely its best game of the year on the coldest night of the season in a 1-0 win over St. Ambrose in Midwest Collegiate Conference action Saturday.

The Statesmen (6-7, 2-2 MCC) knocked off the Fighting Bees (8-3-1, 1-1-1 MCC) in fairly decisive fashion. St. Ambrose entered the game having tied 2011 NAIA National Quarterfinalist Grand View 1-1 last Saturday.

The home team held an 18-7 edge in shots, but did not find the back of the net until Victor Cruz (Jr., Elsa, Texas, Business Management) headed in a centering pass from Cameron Russell (Fr., Denver, Colo., Industrial Technology) at the 51:36 mark. Cruz’s goal was his third of 2012, while Russell now has two assists in his inaugural collegiate season. Cruz finished with a team-best seven shots.

Mason Bandy (So., Calgary, Alberta, Biology) made the advantage stick in recording three saves for his third shutout this year.

Next: William Penn stays at home Wednesday to host Iowa Wesleyan in non-conference action at 7 p.m.