ST. LOUIS – A scoreless battle turned in Lincoln's favor in the 68th minute Wednesday afternoon, leaving the Maryville men's soccer team on the short end of a 1-0 Great Lakes Valley Conference matchup.
The Saints held the unbeaten Blue Tigers off the scoreboard through the opening half but could not find an answer after Lincoln broke through at the 67:24 mark.
Yayo Mutombo led the Saints with three shots, including both of Maryville's attempts on goal.
Asgrimur Vidisson finished with two saves as Lincoln held a 21-9 advantage in shots.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Maryville's defense was tested early, blocking three Lincoln attempts in a span of two seconds in the ninth minute to keep the match scoreless.
Mutombo registered the Saints' first shot in the 14th minute, sending his attempt wide right.
Simon Schlunder followed with a blocked shot in the 26th as Maryville looked to capitalize after a corner kick.
Vidisson made his first save in the 30th minute, and the Saints continued to withstand Lincoln's pressure.
Petter Hanssen added an attempt wide right in the 37th before the teams reached halftime knotted at 0-0.
Maryville generated more opportunities after the break, with
Axton Anom shooting high in the 48th minute and
Enzo Manga Mbassa missing right in the 53rd.
Vidisson turned away another Lincoln chance in the 58th minute before Mutombo put the Saints' first shot on frame in the 60th, forcing a save.
Pep Moya sent an attempt high in the 67th minute, but Lincoln broke the deadlock less than two minutes later off a Saint's defensive miscue with the afternoon's lone goal.
The Saints pushed for an equalizer down the stretch. Mutombo tested the Lincoln goalkeeper again in the 83rd minute, but his shot was saved.
Paulo Junior Sousa Rodrigues had Maryville's final attempt in the 88th, sending it high as the Blue Tigers held on.
UP NEXT
The Saints head on the road to Drury, Saturday, Oct. 17
Â
