Overview

• Result: MBU 4-1 LU
• Venue: Maranatha Baptist University
• Attendance: 64
• Record: Sabercats are now 2-2 
• Next Game for MBU: Saturday, September 16 at 3 p.m. (EDT) at Finlandia

WATERTOWN, Wis. -- The Sabercats were firing on all cylinders this afternoon, as they defeated the Lakeland University Muskies by a score of 4-1. Brett Cournoyer, Nathan Akers (2), and Eric Fausto all put their names on the scoresheet, and the Sabercats controlled the game from start to finish.

The Sabercats started the game with conviction, as they kept a high press on the Muskies and created multiple scoring chances. Early on, Nathan Akers found Tyler Nelson in the box, but Nelson's well-struck shot was turned away by the Muskies' quick-footed goalkeeper.

After MBU dominated the early stages of the game, their breakthrough came in the 16th minute. Stephen Roer sent in a firm cross that connected with Brett Cournoyer, who chested the ball down and snapped a shot. After the shot was turned away, Cournoyer collected the rebound and calmly placed the ball into the open net.

The Muskies responded instantaneously, as they scored just a minute later. It was against the run of play, as the Muskies finished a counter attack to equalize.

Despite maintaining control of the game, the Sabercats could not get a second goal in the first half. MBU came close to scoring again when Steven Thompson sprinted to save the ball from going out of bounds over the Muskies' endline. Thompson's sliding pass found the feet of an on-rushing Daniel Kroll, but the senior's shot only rattled the crossbar on its way out.

The Sabercats' second goal came just 11 minutes into the second half, and it was a pleasure to watch. Cournoyer's short pass in the middle of the field went to Asa St. Lawrence, who sent a long ball over the top of the Lakeland defense to a hard-running Akers. Akers took one touch towards the top of the Lakeland penalty area, then slammed his finish into the top-left corner to put the Sabercats up by one.

Akers had his second goal soon after. After cutting in from the left side, he was fouled in the penalty area by two Muskie defenders to earn a penalty kick. Akers made no mistake from the spot, as he buried his chance in the right corner to extend the Sabercats' lead.

The Sabercats' fourth goal was memorable. Calvin Perkins collected the ball on the left sideline and made a determined 20-yard run into the left side of Muskie penalty area. From there, Perkins whipped in a cross to Eric Fausto, who slammed in a diving header at the back post for his first collegiate goal.

The Sabercats maintained their dominance throughout the 90 minutes and ended the game with 15 shots on target.

With today's results, the Sabercats are now 2-2 while the Muskies stand at 0-5. Lakeland now holds a 5-3 advantage in the series since 2010.

"I was very excited to see the focused intensity and grit that we played with today," said Coach Jeff Pill after the game. "It has been steadily building throughout the season, so hopefully we can keep the momentum going. Some great goals today - Eric Fausto's diving header was beautiful. I was very pleased with how the midfield played today, and Calvin Perkins had sort of a breakout performance with a lot of composure coming out of the back. It was a very good team effort - a comprehensive victory, I think. Looking forward to our game Saturday against Finlandia." 

The Sabercats' next test will be away against Finlandia University this Saturday at 3 p.m. eastern. Catch coverage details of the game at mbusabercats.com/composite.