GAFFNEY, S.C. – After boasting a national top-10 defense a year ago, the nationally 14^th-ranked Limestone College men's soccer team used a stellar defensive effort to post its first shutout of the season with a 1-0 nonconference decision over Queens University of Charlotte on Sunday, September 2.
 
GAME INFORMATION
Score: No. 14 Limestone 1, Queens 0
Records: No. 14 Limestone (2-0), Queens (1-1)
Location: Saints Field
 
INSIDE THE BOXSCORE
 

• Sophomore midfielder Tristyn de Laaf (Dubai, UAE) posted the game-winning goal
• Senior Kristian Moore-Cowell (Essex, England) added an assist
• Sophomore Luca Thuyl (Xanten, Germany) put a pair of shots on frame
• Senior keeper Mirko Ronchi (Cornaredo, Italy) finished with three saves
• Limestone edged the Royals 8-7 on shots attempted and 8-6 on corner kicks
• Seven different Saints registered at least one shot attempt

 
HOW IT HAPPENED
 
First Half
 
The Saints broke through with the go-ahead score in the 14^th minute as de Laaf beat his defender before blasting his first goal of the season off the near post into the opposite corner. Moore-Cowell assisted on the play, feeding de Laaf with a pass out on the right wing.
 
A few moments later, Ronchi made a tremendous save on the other end when he came out to challenge an attacking player. He would get both hands on the ensuing shot attempt, but the ball deflected up in the air and headed towards an empty net. However, he was able to get back at the very last second to swat the ball away just before it crossed over the goal line.  
 
Second Half
 
The Royals registered a pair of shots early in the second half, looking to draw the equalizer, but the Limestone defense held up against the pressure to keep things scoreless. Sophomore Ivan Tapuskovic (Beograd, Serbia) then had a great look for the Saints in the 71^st minute, but he was just right of the mark.
 
Queens would get a couple of last-chance looks at the tying score over the last 10 minutes of regulation, but the Blue and Gold challenged each shot as the home team held on for the 1-0 shutout victory.
 
TURNING POINT
 
The Saints found the back of the net in the early going, and that would be the only score needed as the defense maintained the clean sheet over the remainder of the match.
 
NOTABLES
 

• Limestone, who posted a program-record 12 shutouts last year, recorded its first shutout of 2018
• The Saints improve to 11-9-2 all-time against their former conference rival
• The Blue and Gold extended its unbeaten streak against Queens to 12 straight matches

 
UP NEXT
 
Following a pair of nonconference games at home to start the season, Limestone will hit the road to open the Conference Carolinas schedule on Saturday, September 8 when it takes on Chowan University.