STOUT, Wis. – The University of Minnesota Morris men's soccer team secured a 1-0 victory over the University of Wisconsin-Stout in its final nonconference game Saturday afternoon in Stout, Wis.
 
With the win, the Cougars improve to 2-3-1 on the season, while the Blue Devils fall to 1-3-2.
 
"This was an entire team effort from our bench to our start to get the shutout," said head coach Blake Ordell. "I'm proud of the team battling 90 minutes and excited to keep the momentum going into conference play."
 
Both teams recorded a shot within the opening two minutes. The Blue Devils earned a free kick just outside the box and fired a shot that Nick Isensee saved with a diving effort. Jake Anargyros had a shot blocked, but Aaron Mackall collected the loose ball and slotted it into the corner for the opening goal. Mackall had another attempt that was pushed wide for a corner around the 30-minute mark. Anargyros also fired a shot from the corner of the 18-yard box, but it was stopped by the UWS goalkeeper. The Cougars went into halftime with a 1-0 lead.
 
In the second half, Isensee came off his line to stop an attack, and while the shot got past him, it struck the post—preserving the Cougars' lead. UMM created another opportunity in the 67th minute with a deep cross into the box, but the pass was collected by the keeper. Burke Sheppard nearly doubled the lead for the Cougars, but his shot went just wide. Isensee came up big again in the final 10 minutes, pushing a dangerous shot over the bar. In the closing moments, Justin Page made a run down the sideline and earned a free kick in UWS territory. The ball bounced to Page's feet, but his shot went wide left. Isensee made a crucial save in the final two minutes to preserve the clean sheet and seal the 1-0 win for Minnesota Morris.
 
Despite the narrow victory, the Cougars were outshot 8-3. Anargyros accounted for two of UMM's three shots, while Mackall's lone effort proved to be the game-winner. In goal, Isensee recorded 10 saves for his second shutout of the season. Cade Simonson, Azariah Zappetta, and Jacob Lee each played the full 90 minutes for the Cougars.
 
Minnesota Morris begins Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) play on Wednesday, hosting Bethany Lutheran College at 2:30 p.m.