PALOS HEIGHTS, Ill. – The Josh Oakley era began with a win as the first-year Spring Arbor University skipper led the No. 10 ranked Cougars to a 1-0 shutout victory over Trinity Christian College in the team's season-opener on Thursday.

Sophomore Parker Bendert tallied the game's lone goal in the 81st minute while senior goalkeeper Zach Weidman stopped the only shot he faced to keep a clean sheet.

THE BASICS

FINAL SCORE: No. 10 Spring Arbor 1, Trinity Christian 0

LOCATION: Palos Heights, Ill.

RECORDS: Spring Arbor 1-0-0, Trinity Christian 0-1-0

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Trinity Christian played a man down for nearly the entire match after having a player sent off in the 23rd minute.
• Spring Arbor put the pressure on the Trolls throughout the first half, recording nine corner kicks and four shots. However, despite playing with only 10 players, the Trolls were able to keep the match scoreless heading into halftime.
• The match remained deadlocked through 80 minutes before Bendert found the back of the net for the game-winner.
• Spring Arbor finished with 11 shots while holding Trinity Christian to four.

BEYOND THE BOX SCORE

• Spring Arbor recorded its eighth straight opening day win, and picked up their third consecutive victory over Trinity Christian.
• Bendert's goal was the second of his career and second career game-winner.
• With the shutout, Weidman earned his third career clean sheet.

UP NEXT

Spring Arbor will host Alma College in its home opener on Monday, Aug. 26. The match is slated for a 7 p.m. kickoff.

STAY CONNECTED: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube
DOWNLOAD OUR APPS: iOS (iPhone/iPad) | Android