LEAD

LINCOLN, Ill. -- In a total team effort, the Sabercats took down the Lincoln Christian University Red Lions by a score of 7-0.

Six different student-athletes contributed goals in the shutout win, marking a high-spirited day on the Lincoln Christian University campus - at least, for the visitors.

OVERVIEW

• Result: Maranatha 7-0 Lincoln Christian
• Venue: Lincoln Christian University
• Location: Lincoln, Ill.
• Attendance: 89
• Records: MBU (5-5-1), LCU (0-11-1)

STORY

When Tyler Nelson's dangerous corner kick flew across the face of the Lincoln Christian goal and Zeke Steuerwald headed it in, the Sabercats had made the statement that they had come to win. The goal came in the 16th minute, and the two Sabercats would combine again seven minutes later when Steuerwald set up Nelson at the top of the LCU penalty area. Nelson smashed a first-time shot into the upper corner and the Sabercats were in the groove, ahead 2-0.

But for the next 20 minutes, the Red Lions frustrated the Sabercats' attack. Then just before halftime, Steuerwald sent in a pass to the back post, where Kyle Cummins and a Red Lion defender fought for the final touch. Goal: Cummins. Momentum: Maranatha. For Cummins, it was his first collegiate goal.

Coming out of halftime, the Sabercats looked to be just as dangerous as they did in the first half. Steuerwald got on the scoresheet again for the fourth goal, as he ran onto a well-placed through ball from Tyler Nelson before faking out a Red Lions defender and the goalkeeper for the fourth goal of the game.

Kevin Risma added the fifth. After a scramble inside the LCU penalty area, Risma hit a first-time shot with his left foot at the top of the box. The ball ricocheted off an unfortunate Red Lion defender before bouncing apologetically into the corner for the fifth goal of the game.

The sixth belonged to Bryant Sturgill, who opened his 2019 goal-scoring account with a tidy finish to the left side-netting in the 86th minute. Sturgill was set up by a perfect through-pass from Austin DeAngelo, and the sophomore forward made no mistake from his golden opportunity. Six-nil.

The seventh and final goal came from Kendall Elms, who scored with just over a minute left in the game. After Teddy Kincaid challenged for a bouncing ball in the LCU penalty area, the ball fell to the feet of Elms, who drilled a low shot on target that deflected slightly off a Red Lion defender. Elms did just enough, as the ball bounced into the bottom-right corner for Elms' first collegiate goal and a perfect end to a memorable day for the Blue and Gold.

It was a well-polished performance from top to bottom, as Tim Kinzler (and Garrett Gleason) made seven combined saves (Kinzler - 6, Gleason - 1) to preserve the shutout.

MBU Starters: 1- Kinzler, 4- Roer, 7- Nelson, 8- Campbell, 9-Wright, 10-St. Lawrence (C), 11- DeAngelo (C), 12- Steuerwald, 15- J. Hockema, 18- Shepard, 19- C. Hockema (C)

STATS

• Shot count: Maranatha 17-11 Lincoln Christian
• Steuerwald: 6 shots on goal, 2 goals, 2 assists
• Steuerwald: now leads MBU with 5 goals and 12 points
• Sturgill: 1st goal of the season
• Elms, Cummins: 1st collegiate goals
• Last year: LCU won 2-1 at home
• Series: Maranatha now leads the all-time series, 22-2-1

OPPONENTS

• The Red Lions compete in the NAIA as an independent institution
• Like Maranatha, Lincoln Christian are dual-members, competing in the NCCAA
• Lincoln Christian is still seeking their first win of the season

NEXT

The Sabercats will travel to Viterbo University Tuesday for a 3:00 p.m. kickoff. Follow at mbusabercats.com/schedule.