MARYVILLE, Tenn. -- Maryville's Trevor McDonald scored in the 50th minute and that goal held up as the host Scots defeated the Covenant men's soccer team, 1-0, in the USA South Tournament championship on Saturday night.
The No. 2 West seeded Covenant ends the year with a 14-6-1 overall record. Maryville (14-3-1) moves on to the NCAA Tournament, which is set to begin next week. It was the second all-time meeting between the programs with a USA South title on the line.
In a tight battle between two rivals, it was McDonald's goal early in the second half that was the difference. McDonald cleaned up a loose ball, off a Maryville corner kick, inside the box and knocked his shot into the left side of the net to give the host Scots a 1-0 lead. The goal was McDonald's third of the year.
Covenant had limited chances throughout the match. The visiting Scots outshot Maryville 7-6 in the first half, but could not capitalize. Jesse Riggs had a free kick chance in the 43rd minute that sailed just over the crossbar. Jonathan Barrett received a cross in the middle of the box in the 14th minute, but his attempt was scooped up by Maryville keeper Ryan Jorgensen.
Covenant was held to four shots in the second half. In the 82nd minute, Covenant had one of its best chances as the Scots countered quickly and Josh Brower's cross into the box found the head of Riggs, but his shot went high of the target. Covenant had one last look in the 90th minute, however Mercer Stout missed wide on his attempt.
Maryville held a slim, 12-11, edge in total shots. Covenant had a 5-2 margin in corner kicks. Riggs and Barrett had three shots apiece.
Covenant keeper Paul Lemay made one save, while his counterpart Jorgensen also made one save.
Covenant had three players named to the USA South All-Tournament team as defender Noah Lee was joined on the squad by midfielders Riggs and Ethan Pettit. The Scots allowed just two goals in three tournament matches.
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