MINNEAPOLIS – The University of Minnesota Morris men's soccer team nabbed an important 2-1 road win at North Central University on Saturday, remaining in the thick of the race for a UMAC Tournament berth. The win puts the Cougars at 5-10-1 (5-4-1 UMAC) on the year.

The opening 45 minutes of the match stayed scoreless despite plenty of chances for both sides. Minnesota Morris had a slight 9-8 edge in total shots, but the Cougars forced Sam Thurston into six saves in the NCU goal, while Lucas Harmon was only called upon twice.

The scoring opened in the 58th minute as Harmon collected a North Central free kick, booted the ball upfield and started a break for the Cougars that ended with Mayson Palen tapping in from close range. Assists on the goal went to Mo Hoefs and Carter Watkinson.

A short time later, Carver Hammond played a ball low through the box and Cooper Jones was able to body off a defender and deliver a sliding shot that caught Thurston out of position to give Minnesota Morris a 2-0 lead. 

The match wasn't all smooth sailing from there as Corbin McCall was shown a second yellow and the Cougars were down a man for about 23 minutes. North Central got on the board through Adam Vang in the 80th minute, but Harmon handled one final shot from the Rams with a minute left on the clock to close out the victory.

Harmon finished with four saves in the win for UMN Morris. The Cougars had a 20-13 edge in total shots on the afternoon. Watkinson ended with six of those (two on goal) and Hammond had three, all of which were on frame.

Minnesota Morris continues its road trip next weekend. First up is a match in New Ulm on Oct. 22, facing Martin Luther College at 3:30 p.m.