No. 18 UU knocks off second-ranked Charleston

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Lars Blenckers scored off a rebound just before halftime and No. 18 Urbana University held on to upset second-ranked Charleston 1-0 on Wednesday afternoon at UU Stadium. With its sixth straight win, UU takes over first place in the Mountain East Conference standings at 9-2-1 (7-2 MEC).

The Blue Knight defense limited the lethal Charleston attack to a season-low nine shots and handed the Golden Eagles their first shutout loss in 26 games.

Goalkeeper Nathan Jones, who recorded his 20th career shutout, commanded the back line and recorded two big saves in the second half. Harry Tamplin, Tom Walbeoff and Jordan Coxall played exceptionally well during a total team effort.

With five minutes until halftime showing on the clock, Ebenezer Agyeman gained possession in space and laced a perfect line-drive shot on goal from 25 yards out. The UC keeper struggled to control the save and Blenckers was on top of him to convert the miscue. It was Blenckers’ fourth goal of the season.

Charleston fell to 10-2 overall and boasts the same record as UU against league opponents at 7-2.

Additionally, the UU triumph was the first win over Charleston since the 2013 season.

The Blue Knights out-shot the Golden Eagles 10-9, including 8-1 in the first half. Lewis Dunne and Thibaut Bourrier each had three shots. UC held the advantage in corner kicks by an 8-1 margin.

UU returns to action on Wednesday when it travels to Gannon. The non-conference matchup will begin at 4 p.m. in Erie, Pennsylvania.

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The UU women’s soccer team snapped a five-game winless streak with a 1-0 victory over MEC-leading Charleston Wednesday afternoon at UU Stadium.

Senior Savannah Thomas scored the only goal just over 10 minutes into the contest, and the Blue Knights held on to the lead the rest of the way. Thomas slipped through the middle of the Golden Eagle defense and controlled a perfect through-ball pass from Jordin Littles in the box. Thomas then finished into the right side of the net for her second goal of the season. It was the first career assist for Littles.

UU improved to 2-11-1 overall and 2-9-1 in league play. Charleston goes to 9-2-2 and 9-1-1.

Freshman goalkeeper Katherine Beech earned the clean sheet for the Blue Knights. She tied her career high with six saves and posted her second shutout of the season.

With four games remaining on the schedule, UU will travel to Fairmont State next for a midweek match on Thursday at 7 p.m.

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