LOUISVILLE, Ky. - A late goal by sophomore Sota Ippongi proved to be the difference for the Centre men's soccer team as they defeated the Spalding Golden Eagles by a score of 1-0 on Sunday night. The Colonels improve to 2-0-1 on the year while Spalding falls to 1-2.

At the conclusion of the event, Haydon Korfhage, Michael Vogt, Dylan Barth and Sam Brunner were each named to JR Hoe All XI Team.

GAME HIGHLIGHTS

- The Golden Eagles put the first shot on goal less than 30 seconds into the contest, but Haydon Korfhage made the save for the Colonels.
- Shots on goal were few and far between for both teams for the rest of the first half. Ippongi and Dylan Barth each sent one towards the net in the final ten minutes, but both were turned away by Spalding's Trevor Massa.
- In the early part of the second half, Spalding was the more aggressive team as they had three corner kicks, one of which led to a header attempt that was denied by Korfhage.
- Ippongi looked to have scored the first goal of the game in the 69th minute on the best scoring chance for the Colonels, but the tally was negated due to an offside call.
- Finally, with just over 12 minutes to go, the Colonels broke through as Barth found a streaking Ippongi, who dashed by the defense and fired one into the net to give the Colonels a 1-0 lead.
- Spalding had one last corner kick at the 83-minute mark, but the Colonels, like they had done for most of the second half, controlled possession and did not allow the Golden Eagles any shots on goal the rest of the way.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

- Centre had a 12-5 edge over Spalding, including 5-3 in shots on goal. Ippongi led all players with four shots in the game.
- Spalding held the advantage in corner kicks by a margin of 6-1.
- Korfhage finished with three saves and extended his 2021 scoreless streak to 290 minutes.

NEXT UP

Centre men's soccer will return to action this weekend with the 32nd Annual Bob Allen Nissan Classic at Amend Field. The Colonels will host Covenant on Friday.