FULTON, Mo. – William Woods University men's soccer (3-4-3, 1-3-3 Heart) earned its first conference win of the season at the North Campus Athletic Complex, edging #21 Clarke University (4-4-3, 2-4-1 Heart) by a 2-1 score on Saturday afternoon. 

The Owls wasted no time setting the tone offensively. In the 14th minute, Charlie Williams broke the deadlock with, finishing a sharp sequence set up by Luis Pinto and Francesco Dibra. Just four minutes later, the Owls doubled their advantage when freshman Marlon Swaby capitalized on another piece of combination play, this time assisted by Miles Andrews and Pinto, giving Woods a two-goal cushion before the 20-minute mark. 

Clarke, however, would not go away quietly. The Pride steadily gained control of possession and finished the day with a 16-10 advantage in total shots, including 11 on goal. Clarke forced the Owls keeper Matthew Dworak into action throughout the afternoon, but the senior stood tall. He turned away a close-range attempt from Daniel Valverde in the 17th minute and added six more second-half saves, matching a season-best 10. 

The visitors finally broke through just after halftime. In the 49th minute, William Arana found space inside the box and slotted home Clarke's lone tally, shifting the momentum in the Pride's favor. Clarke poured numbers forward, registering 12 second-half shots, but Dworak and the Owls' back line absorbed wave after wave of pressure. 

William Woods closed out the final minutes with composure, cementing a 2-1 win over the #21 ranked team in the country. 

Pinto was a catalyst for the Owls, recording assists on both goals, while Swaby and Williams each finished with three combined points. The Owls generated seven shots on goal and managed to withstand Clarke's late push. 

The Owls now turn their attention to another ranked opponent, hosting William Penn University next Saturday at the NCAC.