DANVILLE, KENTUCKY - Southwestern University Men's Soccer displayed an incredible relentless demeanor to earn the road victory at Centre College on Friday night, 1-0. The Pirate defense fueled the victory once again with a new program record eight-straight shutouts. The senior defender
Cooper Pero also scored the game-winning goal in the 71st minute. Southwestern improved to 9-1-1 overall and 1-0-1 in the SAA.
The Pirates faced a tough test traveling all the way to Kentucky after a draining 0-0 tie on Tuesday against Trinity University. However, despite the struggles to score the game-winner, Southwestern continues find the resilience to win. The Pirate have won 1-0 games four times this season as they suffocate oppositions until they break.
The Colonels entered play 2-6-2, but had the advantage of fresher legs and home field. The Pirates started the game dominating possession without many chances though.
Daniel Sartorio had a volley chance from about 18 yards out which just missed the mark in the 26nd minute.
TJ Bass made back-to-back saves to keep the Colonels scoreless, but neither side created many close efforts in the half.
In the second half, Centre committed three yellow cards as the final was a borderline red that wasn't called. The Colonels nearly shocked the Pirates was a goal was cleared away right on the goal-line. However, Southwestern kept knocking on the door with close set pieces before the 71st minute winner.
Mateo Oliveira swung in a cross to Pero who finsihed the header from the penalty kick spot as the Pirate bench erupted. The senior did it all on Friday night with his second game-winning goal of the season.
Connor Gritzmacher has stepped in her injured
Amar Singh and played with zero fear.
Chase Johnson, Pero, and Gritzmacher played all 90 minutes in the shutout. Bass was forced to make only four saves but was aggressive all night.
GAME NOTES
- Southwestern collects the eighth straight clean sheet for another school record.
- The Pirates have gone nine straight matches without a loss.
- The squad is only three clean sheets from the season program record, which is 11 set by the 2025 team.
- Oliveira collects his first collegiate point and assist.
- The Pirate remain the second best defense in the nation in terms of shutout percentage.
UP NEXT
The Pirates return home to battle Oglethorpe University next Friday and Berry College on Sunday.
