Grace College Athletics

RIO GRANDE, Ohio - Grace College's men's soccer team topped Saint Xavier 2-0 on Saturday afternoon in a neutral-site affair.

The Lancers' (2-0) goals came late in the first half with both markers coming with less than six minutes left before the intermission.

The victory concludes a perfect opening weekend for the Grace in which they outscored their opponents 5-0.

The Cougars pushed the pace early in the contest and had two corner kick opportunities in the first 120 seconds of the game. Both teams also had shots on goal early with Grace's shot coming from Teague Misner.

In the middle of the half Grace nearly broke the deadlock. A corner kick led to opportunities for Cihan Acik and Sebastian Lozano, the latter of which had his try ring off the crossbar.

The Lancers continued to pressure late in the half as they kept the Cougars hemmed in their own end. Grace had two more corner kicks and a headed attempt on goal from Vasco Tavares that forced a save from the SXU keeper.

With under six minutes left the Lancers broke through. Lozano scored his first of the season to put Grace ahead 1-0.

Just over two minutes later the Lancers scored again. Felix Voigt received a pass from Noah Ballard and beat the keeper to put Grace firmly ahead entering the intermission.

The start of the second half was a physical affair with fouls being handed out freely to both sides.

Tyler Casado almost pushed Grace's advantage to three goals but his try was nullified by the Cougars goalie.

The Lancers continued to lock down any offensive attempt from SXU. The Cougars were without a shot attempt in the second half until the 68 minute mark.

Benn Kenn made a save late to hold on to the shutout as the Lancers clinched their second clean sheet victory in as many games.

The Lancers held a 12-9 shot advantage and both teams had four corner kicks. Grace was whistled for three more fouls and Kenn made three saves in the victory.

The Lancers to Rio Grande, Ohio next week for a pair of top 25 showdowns. Grace will play No. 4 Cumberlands on Thursday and No. 24 Rio Grande on Saturday.