Clarksville, Ark. - The University of the Ozarks men's soccer team earned a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Lyon University on Saturday getting a game-winning goal from captain Harper Branch and a shutout in goal from Natanel Raitsin.
Branch scored the game's lone goal in the 34th minute, putting Ozarks in front and providing all the offense the Eagles would need.
Ozarks finished with 11 shots, including five on goal, while Lyon recorded 13 shots and put seven on frame. Despite Lyon's advantage in total shots, the Eagles' defense and goalkeeper Natanel Raitsin kept the visitors off the scoreboard.
Raitsin turned in an outstanding performance in goal, making seven saves to record his first shutout of the season.
Sergio Traitel, Mpumelelo Sibanda and Taegan Schnurr each recorded a shot on goal. Victor Escobedo was credited with an assist on Branch's goal.
The Eagles maintained their 1-0 advantage through the remainder of the match, with Raitsin and the Ozarks defense repeatedly turning away Lyon's attempts to equalize.
The Eagles will host Williams Baptist September 15.
