MINNEAPOLIS – The University of Minnesota Morris men's soccer team looked to be headed towards its fourth straight shutout on Wednesday until North Central University tucked one away in the 80th minute to earn a 1-0 win over the Cougars.

The first half was largely controlled by Minnesota Morris. The Cougars outshot North Central, 9-4, in the half and none of NCU's four shots were on goal. For UMN Morris, shots from Tommy Ellis, Carter Watkinson, and two from Cade Simonson were saved by Jared Buse to keep the match scoreless.

The chances were more even after halftime, with 11 shots from North Central and 10 from Minnesota Morris. Six of the 10 Cougar shots were on target, but Buse again came up with the saves to deny Brayden Rock, Tristan Cruz twice, Dominik Cantu-Polster, Will Marsan, and Simonson. The match looked headed towards draw for the Cougars until Diego Zavala-Varela scored in the 80th minute to put the Rams ahead. A nicely taken corner kick from Anthony Medina was headed just out of the reach of Nick Isensee to give the home team the lead and Buse made it stand up.

Isensee finished the match with four saves. Cruz and Simonson each had four total shots in the match.

Minnesota Morris closes the regular season on Saturday with a 3:30 p.m. match in Mankato, Minn. against Bethany Lutheran College.