WINONA LAKE, Ind. - Grace's men's soccer team produced a statement win on Saturday night.

The Lancers defeated the Crossroads League-leading Bethel Pilots 2-0 at 1st Source Bank Field.

Grace secured its third-straight league victory, improving to 7-8 on the year and 4-2 in the league standings. The Lancers are in second place, one game behind the Pilots (11-4, 5-1 CL) who are receiving votes in the NAIA Top 25 Coaches' Poll.

The scoreline was gracious considering the number of goal-scoring opportunities that Grace squandered.

For the match, Grace outshot Bethel 18-5. The Pilots did not have a shot on frame, which impresses as the Pilots were the league's most prolific offense entering the contest.

Ethan Vigario and Felipe Gruber were the goalscorers for Grace, scoring one in the first half and one in the second to put a bow on a comprehensive victory.

The match started tamely as the teams earned a feel for each other's tactics.

Jules Peycelon gave Grace an early boost of offense, advancing on the right side on two occasions.

He was fouled during one of his runs, setting up a 25-yard free kick. Vigario lined up the shot, but his attempt went wide of the goal.

Vigario made good on his next chance. After another strong build-up, Daniel Santos Rosa passed to Vigario who curled his effort beyond the reach of the goalkeeper for the only goal of the half.

With seven minutes left, Peycelon nearly created another goal for Grace. He fired a hard volley towards Bethel's goal. The goalkeeper got a glove on the ball, and the ball deflected off the crossbar and was saved from rolling past the goal line at the last instant.

Peycelon continued to terrorize Bethel throughout the half. A minute later he again initiated an attack. His cross set up Martim Cardoso in the box, but Cardoso's shot was saved.

Cardoso had another attempt shortly after that was saved off the goal line.

The Lancers claimed a 1-0 lead at halftime, a lead which felt like it should be more given Grace's chances. Grace had a 9-2 shot advantage at the half. None of the Pilots' attempts were on frame.

Grace again threatened early in the second half. After a beautiful cross, Jonny Mora had a strong header saved by a diving effort.

The Lancers had another chance after a lethal counterattack. After a few clever passes, Jordan Jayapuram tried a hard drive that was blocked.

As the match continued with the 1-0 scoreline, the physicality increased. Overall the match contained 40 fouls and eight bookings.

The Pilots seemed frustrated by the lack of possession, and the game took a dramatic shift with 20 minutes remaining. A Pilot was issued a red card, resulting in a one-man advantage for Grace for the remainder of regulation.

Possession continued to flow for Grace after halftime, and the Lancers finally found their insurance goal in the 82nd minute. Cardoso spearheaded the play by winning the ball deep in Grace's attacking end of the field.

Eventually, Gruber picked out Ze Maria Goncalves for a shot at Bethel's goal. The shot was saved, but Gruber kicked in the rebound at the 81:05 mark.

The Pilots had little in response as Grace's defense continued to lock up Bethel's attack.

Matteo Conci earned the win in goal without having to make a save. He was guarded well by defenders Flavio Cruz, David Koch and Dan Allen.

The Lancers have one match next week. Grace will host Taylor on Saturday at 7 p.m. The match will also be Senior Night to honor the Lancers' graduating class.