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Morris, Minn. – In need of a victory entering the season's fourth game, the Minnesota Morris men's soccer team answered in a big way today (Sept. 7) scoring and exciting 1-0 win over MIAC power Concordia on Cougar Field.

In a hard fought, but even game, the Cougars' broke through late in the first half on the back of Greg Borchers (Westminster, Colo.). The senior captain took control of a ball that was caught between the teams near the top of the 18. Using his knees and chest in addition to his feet, Borchers dribbled through a trio of Concordia defenders, and once behind them, fired off a shot to the far post that beat the keeper to his left.

“I think we played our best game so far this year, first half especially,” head coach Scott Turnbull said. “Had almost a perfect half, played very well. Greg scored a really great goal, working hard, it's all about effort.”

The goal came at the 39:13 mark of the opening half, and was one of 13 combined first half shots.

The win is the first of the season for Morris (1-1-2), who also appreciated a 90 minute game after posting back-to-back ties within the last four days. With the shutout, the Cougars make it two straight without allowing a goal, as the defense turned away 12 total Concordia (1-2-0) shots, with only two making to goalkeeper Tyler Weber (Erie, Colo.).

Weber was also dynamic on balls served into the box and on more than one occasion played loose balls eliminating shot attempts. The senior has allowed a mere three goals in four games, and just one as the Cougars are unbeaten in their last three.

Playing from behind the entire second half, the Cobbers mounted just five shots, but were not without their chances. A physical game with 30 total fouls called and six yellow cards handed out, Concordia had multiple free kicks inside the box that were defended nicely by UMM.

“Our defense has been solid all year,” Turnbull said. “I can't say enough about those guys. They've only allowed three goals in four games now. Two shutouts in a row, that's a pretty big deal. That's probably the most important thing to me is not allowing goals. They just did a fantastic job. Weber again played great and really deserved a shutout.

The Cougars also held Concordia to just two corners in the match, while taking five of their own.

Borchers' goal was his first of the season and went unassisted, while he took two shots on the day. Toby Glaser (Colorado Springs, Colo.) led the team with five, with Ebrima Badgie (Banjul, The Gambia) also taking two.  The Cobbers were led by Riley McGlynn with seven, but just one landed on goal.

The Cougars post their first win over a MIAC team in over two years, with the last coming on Sept. 5, 2009 with a 1-0 win over Hamline.

Morris will stay on Cougar Field as they close out the nonconference season, hosting UW-Superior on Saturday (Sept. 10) at 3:00 p.m. Prior to the men, the Cougar women will also host UWS, kicking off at 1:00.