MORRIS, Minn. – The UW-River Falls men's soccer team returned to the win column Saturday afternoon, using three first-half goals to earn a 3-0 victory over Minnesota Morris at Cougar Field.
Victor Vancauteren,
Ravel Martin and
Sorel Richardson each found the back of the net for the Falcons.
Jaime Mata recorded five saves in goal to secure the clean sheet. The victory moves UWRF to 2-2-1 on the season.
The Falcons established themselves early, earning three corner kicks within the opening seven minutes before Vancauteren broke through in the 14th minute. UWRF doubled its lead less than 15 minutes later. Martin, who entered the match as a substitute in the 24th minute, made an immediate impact and scored his first goal of the season, pushing the Falcons ahead 2-0.
Minnesota Morris generated a pair of shots on goal shortly after Martin's score, but Mata turned away attempts from Luis Mendez and Brett Bartkowicz to preserve the two-goal advantage.
The Falcons added to their lead right before halftime after a Cougar foul resulted in a penalty kick. Richardson converted at 37:58, sending UWRF into the break with a 3-0 advantage.
With the lead in hand, UWRF kept Minnesota Morris off the scoreboard throughout the second half. The Cougars put three more shots on target during a stretch from the 69th through 72nd minutes, but Mata stopped all three to maintain the shutout.
The Falcons recorded 10 second-half shots.
Elijah Lund,
Elliott Elton and Martin each put attempts on frame during the final 45 minutes, but the 3-0 halftime advantage stood through the final whistle.
UWRF finished with a 15-14 advantage in total shots and put six attempts on goal. Martin led the Falcons with two shots on goal, while Vancauteren and Richardson each scored on their lone shots on target. Mata played all 90 minutes and made five saves to earn the shutout.
The Falcons improve to 2-2-1 overall with the victory and will continue their road stretch on Monday, Sept. 14, traveling to Wauwatosa, Wis., to face Wisconsin Lutheran College. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m.
