DUBUQUE, Iowa - The University of Dubuque men's soccer team couldn't have asked for a nicer day to have their American Rivers Conference home opener against the Central College Dutch at Oyen Field. Both the Spartans and Dutch would get many shots off in the second half, but a penalty kick by Lucas Von Braun would be the difference in the game as the Spartans pick up their first win in conference play over the Dutch.

The first half of play would be quiet as neither side could find any offensive momentum as the defenses were the highlight of the first 45 minutes. After the break, the script would flip as both offenses started to get going. The Dutch finished with 15 shots and 14 of them came in the second half. Likewise the Spartans finished with 14 shots and 10 came in the second half. For much of the half, both teams felt like they needed just one good look to take the lead. In the 63rd minute, the Spartans were fouled in the box and senior leader, Von Braun drilled the penalty kick on the right side of the net for the 1-0 lead. The lead would hold the final stretch as the Dutch tried every effort to tie, but the Spartan defense held their own for the win. 

Von Braun and Liam Persson led the Spartans with four shot attempts with two on goal each. The Spartans were only given two corner kick opportunities throughout the game and they committed 11 fouls through the 90 minutes. Matt Marchiori got the win in goal and collected six saves. 

Up Next
The Spartans travel to Coe College on Wednesday, October 5 to take on the Kohawks with a 7:00 p.m. kickoff. The Spartans sit at 1-0-1 in conference play and 5-4-2 overall.