PHOTO GALLERY
SPRING ARBOR, Mich. – In front of an electric capacity crowd, the Spring Arbor University men's soccer team closed out the 2014 Cougar Showcase with a 1-0 win over Olivet Nazarene University on Saturday night.
Sophomore Michael Caccavo scored for the second day in a row to lift the Cougars to their fifth straight win to open the season.
"This was a real test for us tonight, there is no doubt about that," said head coach Nathan Miller. "I really believe our environment made a big difference. Our fans were something special!"
Olivet Nazarene (2-1), who is receiving votes in the NAIA Top 25 poll, controlled possession early in the match. The Tigers out-shot SAU 6-0 through the first 17 minutes, although never producing any dangerous chances.
The Cougars got their first good look in the 21st minute when junior Stevenson Storm played a beautiful ball to Jared Putt, who beat his defender, but the ONU goalkeeper made a great save from close range.
Olivet Nazarene continued to apply pressure, but Cobi Piper and the SAU defense, led by Cody Getsinger and Matthew Strangis, were up to the challenge and kept the high-powered Tigers off the board as the sides went into halftime tied 0-0.
The Cougars came out of the break with much more energy, controlling possession, and their effort paid off less than 10 minutes into the period. Following an ONU turnover in their own third, Getsinger played a cross in front of the goal from the left wing that the visiting keeper attempted to punch away. The loose ball, however, went to Storm who found the foot of Caccavo for the go-ahead score.
In the 66th minute, the Tigers looked to even the match after drawing a foul just outside the box. On the ensuing free kick, Piper would make a terrific diving save to preserve the lead.
Desperate to find the equalizer late in the match, Olivet Nazarene intensified its attack, but the Cougar defense would step up time and time again to post their third shutout of the year. Piper ended the night with 10 saves.
"We are really proud of how the guys executed and how well they stayed organized under pressure in the waning moments," added Miller. "Conceding three goals in five games, very solid, and we will keep building and improving. We are far from where we want to be."
Up next, Spring Arbor will travel to Cornerstone University on Wednesday, Sept. 10. Match is slated for a 7 p.m. start.
- Follow Cougar Nation -
Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Live Stream
