UNIVERSITY CENTER, Mich. - The No. 20 Saginaw Valley State University men's soccer team used a complete team effort today (Sept. 16) as they defeated the Ashland University Eagles, 1-0, at the SVSU Soccer Complex.

After a scoreless first half, the second half got a little chippy with the Eagles (3-1-1, 2-1 GLIAC) picking up three yellow cards, before the Cardinals (5-1, 2-1 GLIAC) were able to find the back of the net in the 69th minute.  SVSU's goal would come on a cross from the right side by Zack Minor (Hartland, Mich. / Hartland HS) that was blasted home on a bicycle kick by Craig Neal (Bay City, Mich. / Bay City Western HS) for the 1-0 advantage and only goal of the contest.

That would be all the scoring the Cardinals would need as the defense tightened down and led SVSU to the 1-0 victory over the first place Eagles.

Senior keeper Jason Wise (Troy, Mich. / Troy HS) picked up his fifth win of the season and second straight shutout, saving all three shots that he faced.

"Today was a great show of mental awareness all day from start to finish. We finished the weekend with 2 wins and most importantly, 2 shutouts," commented head coach Cale Wassermann.  "We have a very attack minded team but we know that if we want to reach our goals we have to make a commitment to defend."

"I thought we chipped away all game and created a lot of chances, but it was great to see Craig Neal score an overhead kick, he is a very instinctive player and can do some things that can catch teams off guard," added Wassermann.  "We will be preparing for our first full weekend on the road and hope to keep the momentum going."

SVSU will return to action on Friday (Sept. 21) when they travel to Lake Erie College for a 2:00 PM contest.