CINCINNATI, Ohio — The Midway University men's soccer team returned to the win column Thursday afternoon, scoring four unanswered second-half goals to defeat the University of Cincinnati-Clermont 4-0 in its final nonconference matchup of the regular season.
After a scoreless opening half, the Eagles broke through in the 55th minute before adding three more goals to secure their seventh victory of the season.
The win snapped Midway's two-game losing streak and improved the Eagles to 7-3-2 overall. Cincinnati-Clermont fell to 0-10.
Jay Ebert, Elijah Orren, George Spencer and Miles Ezell each found the back of the net for Midway, while goalkeeper Connor Vincent recorded eight saves to secure the shutout.
FIRST HALF
Midway created several scoring opportunities in the opening 45 minutes but was unable to break through against Cincinnati-Clermont goalkeeper Nick Mangold.
The Eagles recorded 10 shots in the first half, placing five on goal.
George Spencer tested Mangold early with a shot in the seventh minute before Elijah Orren followed with a header in the 11th minute.
Martiniano Sansone added another shot on goal in the 16th minute, while Spencer and Brian Alvor each forced saves later in the half.
Cincinnati-Clermont also created opportunities, recording four shots, including three on goal.
Vincent turned away all three attempts to keep the Cougars off the scoreboard as the teams entered halftime tied 0-0.
SECOND HALF
The Eagles continued to apply offensive pressure after halftime, eventually breaking through in the 55th minute.
Ebert scored his first goal of the season at the 54:08 mark to give Midway a 1-0 advantage.
Just over seven minutes later, Orren doubled the Eagles' lead with his fifth goal of the season. Ezell recorded the assist on the goal at 61:18.
Midway wasted little time adding to its advantage.
Only 37 seconds after Orren's goal, Spencer found the back of the net at 61:55, scoring his team-leading 11th goal of the season. Ezell picked up his second assist of the afternoon as the Eagles extended their lead to 3-0.
The Eagles added their fourth goal in the 76th minute when Ezell scored his fourth goal of the season at 75:05.
Orren assisted on the final goal, completing a strong offensive performance for Midway.
The Eagles maintained their defensive effort throughout the closing minutes, preserving the shutout and securing the 4-0 victory.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
Midway finished with a 20-10 advantage in total shots, placing 13 attempts on goal compared to eight for Cincinnati-Clermont.
The Eagles also held a 6-4 advantage in corner kicks.
Ezell led Midway with four points, recording one goal and two assists. Orren followed with three points on one goal and one assist.
Spencer finished with three shots, all on goal, while Orren also recorded three shots on target.
Nahuel Cruz Arjona added three shots, and Alvor contributed two shots on goal.
Vincent played all 90 minutes in goal, recording eight saves to earn the shutout.
Mangold finished with nine saves for Cincinnati-Clermont.
The victory marked Midway's second shutout win over the Cougars this season after defeating them 10-0 on Sept. 25 at Midway Turf Field.
Midway outscored Cincinnati-Clermont 14-0 across the two meetings this season.
UP NEXT
Midway will return to River States Conference play Sunday, Oct. 18, when the Eagles travel to face Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College.
Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. as Midway looks to build on Thursday's victory and earn its second conference win of the season.
About Midway University Athletics
Midway University competes in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), and its 29 athletic teams are part of the River States Conference, Mid-South Conference, Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association and USA Archery. For more information about Midway University Athletics, please visit www.gomidwayeagles.com or contact Tyler Beck at 859-846-5366.
