MINNEAPOLIS – The University of Minnesota Morris men's soccer team lost a 1-0 decision to North Central University on Thursday afternoon. The defeat drops the Cougars to 0-6-1 (0-1-1 UMAC).

In a scoreless first half, Lucas Harmon made three saves and the Cougars also cleared a ball off the line. The one shot attempted by Minnesota Morris by Carver Hammond was wide and didn't require a save from NCU keeper Jerad Buse.

Buse was called into action in the 53rd minute on another shot from Hammond and the match continued on past the hour mark without a goal. The tie was broken in the 79th minute when Elliot Lebsack attempted to bend a shot past Harmon but scuffed the shot, only to see it fall perfectly to Caleb Lewis to finish off from close range. 

In the final minutes of the match, Minnesota Morris produced a flowing movement up the field and a low cross was delivered to an onrushing Colin Renner, but Buse was at the right place at the right time to snuff it out and preserve the victory.

Minnesota Morris will be in St. Paul on Saturday to face the University of Northwestern at 6:30 p.m.