Union Men’s Soccer Breaks Program Record, Advances to AAC Semifinals

BARBOURVILLE, Ky. – Union Commonwealth University's men's soccer team (11-2-4) secured a 2-0 victory over Spartanburg Methodist (4-8-4) on Wednesday at Williamson Stadium.

With the win, the Bulldogs set a new program record for shutouts in a single season with 13, surpassing the previous mark of 12 set during the 2015–16 campaign.

Another program record also fell in the matchup — [click here to learn more].

Game Recap

First Half: Union Commonwealth 1, Spartanburg Methodist 0

Union struck early as Gianni Loska found the back of the net in the 12th minute, his second goal of the season, assisted by Laurin Fürmeier.

The Bulldogs' defense remained dominant throughout the half, holding the Pioneers scoreless while outshooting them 9–2.

Second Half: Union Commonwealth 2, Spartanburg Methodist 0

Union continued its defensive control in the second half. Jordan Blake doubled the Bulldogs' lead late in the match, converting a pass from Loska to seal the win.

Union outshot Spartanburg Methodist 11–7 overall, placing seven shots on goal compared to the Pioneers' one. Ron-Jay Watson and Blake led with three shots each, while Loska added two. Oriol Gásquez Pérez, Patrick Taylor, and Takuma Kiuchi each recorded one.

Goalkeeper Gabriel Mendoza tallied one save and earned his 11th shutout of the season, breaking the program's single-season record. Mendoza currently leads the NAIA in both save percentage (.898) and goals-against average (0.34).

As a team, the Bulldogs also rank first in the NAIA in GAA (0.31) and total shutouts (13).

Check out the Access Health Man of the Match here.

Up Next

The Bulldogs will face Pikeville in the AAC semifinal at Williamson Stadium on Tuesday, Nov. 4.