Box Score North Manchester, Ind. – A first-half goal by senior forward Tyler Joy-Brandon proved to be sufficient for the Transylvania men's soccer team, which posted a 1-0 victory over the Manchester University Spartans at Good Field on Saturday night.
The victory improves Transylvania's record to 3-4-3 on the season, and an even 1-1-1 in Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference play, while Manchester falls to 3-8-1 and in 1-2 in the HCAC.
The Pioneers' offensive breakthrough came in the 21st minute as senior midfielder Thomas Shellenberg sent a nifty pass across the box towards the foot of Joy-Brandon, who blasted a shot in the far right corner of the net, giving Transylvania the 1-0 lead.
Transylvania appeared primed to extend its lead after a Manchester foul gave the Pioneers a penalty kick in the 43rd minute. However, the Spartans goalie came up with a spectacular save to preserve the 1-0 score going into the halftime intermission.
The Pioneers peppered the Manchester goal early in the second half, but the Spartan defense held strong and the score remained 1-0.
Following a lengthy weather delay midway through the second half, the Pioneers' defense continued to control the ball, allowing just three Manchester shots over the final 25 minutes of play to secure the 1-0 victory.
Freshman goalie Michael Kline earned the victory in goal for the Pioneers, collecting one save while not allowing a goal in 90 minutes of action.
Up next, the Pioneers will begin a three-game homestand on Wednesday, October 10 when they welcome the Mount St. Joseph University Lions to Lexington. The game is set for a 7:00 p.m. start at Pat Deacon stadium.
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