BOX SCORE

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The University of Evansville men’s soccer team held off a late flurry of second-half shots by visiting Central Arkansas to post a 1-0 victory Saturday night in Missouri Valley Conference action at Arad McCutchan Stadium.
 
The Aces (9-5-0, 3-1-1 MVC) scored the only goal of the contest in the 36th minute, when senior Jesse Sharp finished a pass from Alex Kapsalis from five yards out.  The UE defense then held strong in the second half, as goalkeeper Eric Teppen made just one save, but collected a barrage of crosses to keep UCA (7-7-0, 1-3-0 MVC) off the scoreboard.
 
In the first half, each side created opportunities, as Evansville outshot Central Arkansas, 10-9, over the first 45 minutes.  The Aces put six of their 10 first-half shots on goal, forcing UCA’s goalkeeper Cory Gibson to make five saves.
 
The Bears forced the issue in the second half and took 11 shots in the stanza, but put just one on goal.  Central Arkansas also earned eight corner kicks in the second half and fired a pair of shots into the side netting, but the UE defense held, successfully defending all eight set pieces to preserve the win.
 
Mark Anthony Gonzalez led the Aces offensively with a game-high seven shots, including three on goal.  Faik Hajderovic added three shots for Evansville and put one on goal.  Teppen recorded the shutout in goal, marking his fifth of the season and third in his last four contests.
 
Evansville will return to the pitch Wednesday, Oct. 24, when they travel to Bloomington, Ind., to take on in-state foe Indiana.  Kickoff is slated for 6:00 p.m.