SPRING ARBOR, Mich. – A late first half goal by Cole Russell gave Spring Arbor University the lead, and a second half goal from Jacob Crull helped seal the victory as the No. 12 ranked Cougars defeated Taylor University 2-0 on Wednesday night to begin Crossroads League play. 

The clean sheet was SAU's third consecutive shutout and sixth overall on the season – a mark that currently leads the NAIA.

THE BASICS

FINAL SCORE: No. 12 Spring Arbor 2, Taylor 0

LOCATION: Cougar Soccer Complex | Spring Arbor, Mich.

RECORDS: Spring Arbor 6-1-1 (1-0-0 CL), Taylor 4-4-2 (0-1-0 CL)

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Spring Arbor tested the Taylor goalkeeper early with a pair of shots on goal by Brian D'Ascenzo and another by Crull, but TU's Luke Williams was up to the task.
• The Cougars were able to break through just before halftime on Russell's team-high eighth goal of the season, assisted by Crull.
• Williams' strong play between the pipes kept the Trojans in the game in the beginning stages of the second half, making key stops against shots by Aidan Taylor and Crull.
• SAU put the game away, however, with a goal by Crull in the 79th minute. Nate Foddrill drew a foul just outside the 18-yard box and Crull scored on the ensuring free kick.
• Spring Arbor finished the night with a 19-2 shot advantage and a 5-1 edge in corner kicks.

BEYOND THE BOX SCORE

• The win was the seventh straight for Spring Arbor against Taylor.
• SAU recorded its sixth shutout of the campaign, which is tied with Central Methodist – last year's national champions – for the most in the country.
• Crull's goal was his sixth of the year – a new high for goals scored in a season for the senior.
• Russell and Crull, both, rank in the top-10 in the Crossroads League in goals scored. Russell ranks third with eight while Crull sits in seventh.           

UP NEXT

Spring Arbor welcomes the University of Saint Francis (5-5-0, 1-0-0 CL) for Homecoming weekend on Saturday, Sept. 28. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m.

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