Late Goal Lifts Statesmen in Regular Season Finale

William Penn University Athletics

Oskaloosa–The William Penn men’s soccer team will go into the postseason on a high note following a 1-0 win over Culver-Stockton (Mo.) in non-conference play Tuesday.

The Statesmen (8-10) dominated the stat sheet with a 24-4 edge in shots, but failed to find a goal in the first half or throughout much of the second stanza. The Wildcats (3-12-1) fortunately were held off the scoreboard as well.

With only 7:12 left on the clock, Victor Cruz (Jr., Elsa, Texas, Business Management) finally broke the scoreless tie as he put home a pass from Brandon Nicholson (Sr., Cedar Falls, Iowa, Physical Education), one of two seniors recognized before the game on Senior Night.

Cruz is now pacing his team with seven goals, while Nicholson’s assist is his first this fall. Mason Bandy (So., Calgary, Alberta, Biology) tallied two saves for his fourth shutout of the year.

“This was a nice win for our seniors to go out on,” Head Coach Greg Jarosik said. “We hope to take this momentum with us as we begin tournament play this weekend.”

Next: William Penn opens up postseason play Sunday by facing St. Ambrose in the quarterfinals of the Midwest Collegiate Conference Tournament. Action begins at 1 p.m.