THE OVERVIEW

• Result: Maranatha 5-2 Lincoln Christian
• Venue: Lincoln Christian University Soccer Field
• Attendance: 49
• Record: Sabercats are now 6-7
• Next Game for MBU: Friday, October 13 at 3:30 p.m. vs Emmaus Bible

THE LEAD

LINCOLN, Ill. -- The Sabercats earned a big away win today thanks to an early goalscoring barrage and a hat-trick from an in-form Tyler Nelson. MBU floored the Red Lions early on by scoring 3 goals in the first 8 minutes. 

THE STORY

The opening 10 minutes saw the Sabercats pummel the Red Lions with 7 shots, 3 of which went in. Nathan Akers connected with Nelson for the opening goal just after the 3-minute mark. Nelson once again struck from outside the box, as his low shot found the back of the net. The sophomore added his second just 2 minutes later, as he tapped in the rebound from an Andrew Ice shot for the second goal of the game.

Fausto was on hand for the third. Asa St. Lawrence delivered the assist, as he sent Fausto through on a breakaway. Fausto's strike came at the 8-minute mark, and before the Red Lions could catch their collective breath, the Sabercats were ahead 3-0.

Brett Cournoyer added the fourth at the 22-minute mark. Nelson played the role of provider this time, as he chested down a Nathan Akers free kick for Cournoyer to finish. 

The Red Lions pulled one goal back just 4 minutes after the Cournoyer strike. LCU executed a well-rehearsed corner kick which ended with a Keaton Doty header.

The score remained 4-1 until just over 10 minutes into the second half. When Eric Fausto's shot was redirected towards Nelson, the sophomore showed some quick thinking for a creative finish - his third of the game. 

Doty and the Red Lions pulled a second goal back some 20 minutes from time, but the Sabercats closed out the game to take a comfortable 3-goal win back home to Watertown.

THE NUMBERS

Nelson's hat-trick was the 20th in program history since the 2000 season.

Timothy Kinzler was given the start in goal. It was the first career start for the freshman, and he was credited with 3 saves in his first career win for the Blue and Gold.

Nelson's treble brings his season tally to a team-leading 7 goals. Akers now leads MBU with 4 assists on the season.

Fausto's goal was his fourth of the season and his second in as many games.

THE SOUND BITE

"We came out really sharp today," said Coach Jeff Pill after the game. "We pressed them early and capitalized on the chances they gave us. I was really pleased with our approach."

THE CALENDAR

Riding this victory over an NAIA/NCCAA DI opponent, the Sabercats will return home to take on the Emmaus Bible College Eagles in an NCCAA North Region matchup Friday. Catch the details at mbusabercats.com/composite.