SPRING ARBOR, Mich. –
Ryan Nees scored twice and added an assist as the Spring Arbor University men's soccer team earned a 4-0 victory over Saint Xavier University on Saturday afternoon at the Cougar Soccer Complex.
Spring Arbor, receiving votes in the latest NAIA Top 25 Poll, improved to 7-0-0 on the season, while Saint Xavier fell to 3-4-0.
The Cougars began generating opportunities early and eventually broke through in the 23rd minute.
Leo Stravato set up Nees for his second goal of the season, giving SAU a 1-0 advantage.
Less than three minutes later, the two reversed roles. Nees found Stravato, who scored his first goal of the season in the 25th minute to double the Spring Arbor lead. The Cougars carried the 2-0 advantage into halftime after outshooting Saint Xavier 11-2 in the opening 45 minutes.
Spring Arbor added to its lead early in the second half. After earning consecutive corner kicks,
Warre Mondelaers connected with
Pedro Rosa in the 53rd minute for Rosa's second goal of the season, making it 3-0.
Nees capped the scoring in the 78th minute.
Alex Murphy provided the assist as Nees found the back of the net for the second time in the match and his third goal of the season.
Spring Arbor finished with a 16-6 advantage in shots, including a 7-5 edge in shots on goal, and held a 7-6 advantage in corner kicks. Nees led the Cougars with four shots, putting three on goal.
Dondaine played all 90 minutes in goal and made four saves, while the Cougar defense also recorded a team save in the closing moments to preserve the clean sheet. It marked Spring Arbor's third shutout of the season.
Spring Arbor visits Aquinas College on Wednesday, Sept. 16. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m.
