(FULTON, Mo., Sept. 17)--The William Woods University men's soccer team earned a hard-fought victory over undefeated Missouri Valley College on Friday night. The Owls defeated the Vikings 1-0 on Firley Field to improve to 5-0-1.

Neither team could find the back of the net in the first half. The Owls tenacious defense held the high-powered Vikings to four first half shots. The Vikings entered the night averaging five goals per match.

The Owls managed only two shots in the match. However, one proved to be all they would need. Junior Marcelo Carreiro (Curitiba, Brazil) took a pass from freshman Joao Paulo Dutra Parra (Sao Paulo, Brazil), raced around a lone Viking defender, and fired a shot past the goalie to give the Owls a 1-0 lead in the 58th minute. The defense for the Owls took over the remainder of the half.

The match was physical from start to finish. The Owls were whistled for 29 fouls. The Vikings were credited with 13. Seven yellow cards were also issued: three for MVC and four for WWU.

The Vikings (4-1) outshot the Owls 12-2. Freshman Sean Geoghegan (Naas Co. Kildare, Ireland) recorded three saves for the shutout victory.

William Woods will return to action on September 19. The Owls will travel to Culver-Stockton College. Kick-off is scheduled for 3 pm.