CONWAY, Ark. – The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor men's soccer team earned its first win of the 2023 season in a 2-0 shutout over Hendrix College Sunday afternoon in Conway. The win improved the Cru to 1-1 on the season. 

UMHB jumped to an early lead in the seventh minute when Keven Daniel scored a high-center goal off an assist from Sawyer Young. The Cru defense allowed just three shots in the first half with one save from goalkeeper Bradley Melchor.

The Cru opened the second half with a trio of scoring opportunities and did not allow the Warriors a shot until the 66th minute. Ethan Dacaret scored an insurance goal on another assist from Young in the 83rd minute, scoring another high-center goal for a 2-0 lead. Ethan Hilliard sealed the win for the Cru with a 90th minute save to keep the two-goal shutout. 

Dacaret led the Cru with three shots, placing all three on frame. Peighton Raisey added two more shots to the Cru's 10 while five other Crusaders each added one. UMHB's defense limited the Warriors to just six shots and only two on frame. 

"It was great to get two results from our first-ever trip to Hendrix," Head Coach Ben Allen said. "Both of these contests were great tests for us. We had lots of guys play well and it was good to see some young players get on the field. We can celebrate for now but we have two strong opponents this week. We need to keep moving forward and get ready for a hard weekend of games."

UMHB returns to action in a pair of home matches next weekend in Belton. The Cru opens the home slate in a 7:30 p.m. contest against Texas Lutheran University on Friday, September 8th and faces University of St. Thomas (Texas) on Sunday, September 10th at 6:00 p.m.