ST. BONIFACIUS, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Morris men's soccer team defeated Crown College, 2-1, in Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) play Tuesday evening in St. Bonifacius, Minn.
 
The win moves UMM to 4-5-3 overall and 2-2-2 in the UMAC, while the Polars drop to 2-7-3 overall and 2-3-1 in the conference.
 
"I'm really proud of the team's work rate and drive in this match to get three points on the raod," said head coach Blake Ordell. "I was frustrated with our second half last match against North Central because we lacked determination and the work rate that we had today! The guys should be proud of themselves." 

Aaron Mackall tested the Polars' keeper early with a shot in the fourth minute that was saved. Minnesota Morris earned several free kicks in the early going. In the 29th minute, the Cougars won another free kick. Jake Anargyros and Mackall lined up over the ball. After Anargyros ran over it, Mackall fired a shot past the wall and into the back of the net to give UMM the lead. Late in the half, Rizal Howes-Agaton landed a shot on frame, but the score remained 1-0 heading into halftime.
 
The Cougars nearly doubled their lead five minutes into the second half. Mackall had another shot on goal, but a Crown defender managed to clear it off the line before it fully crossed. Minnesota Morris had another scoring opportunity from a set piece, as Mackall played a square pass to Cade Simonson, whose shot bounced off the post.
 
With under 20 minutes remaining, Nick Isensee was called into action for his first save of the match, stopping a shot from distance. Shortly after, he made another crucial save to keep the Polars off the scoreboard. On the other end, Justin Page made a driving run into the box and was taken down, earning a penalty kick for UMM. Anargyros sent the keeper the wrong way, converting the penalty to extend Minnesota Morris's lead to 2-0.
 
In the final seconds of the match, the Polars managed to find the back of the net, but it was too little too late, as Minnesota Morris held on for the 2-1 victory.
 
Mackall continued to lead UMM, scoring his 13th goal of the season. Reigning UMAC Player of the Week Anargyros also stayed hot, netting his third goal in as many games. The Cougars totaled seven shots on goal, with Mackall leading the way with four. Jacob Lee, Anargyros, and Howes-Agaton each added one shot on frame. In goal, Isensee recorded five saves in the win.
 
The Cougars return home for a 3:30 p.m. kickoff on Saturday against Martin Luther College.