KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- A strong defensive effort and single goals in the first and second halves was enough to lift the Covenant men's soccer team to a 2-0 victory over Maryville in the USA South opener for both teams on Saturday at the Sansom Complex.
Covenant (1-1, 1-0 USA South) notched its 19th consecutive USA South regular season victory in the process.
The visiting Scots controlled the match throughout as they held a 15-4 advantage in shots and 5-1 in corner kicks. Nine of Covenant's 15 attempts were on target.
For a second straight match, Mercer Stout tallied the first goal. In the 25th minute, Austin Berry's cross found Stout who finished past Maryville keeper Mykal Manfred for the score. The goal was Stout's second of the year, while Berry collected his first assist.
Covenant took a 1-0 lead into the break, but added to the margin early in the second half. Parker Owen converted a penalty kick in the 55th minute to give Covenant a two-goal edge. The score was Owen's first of the year.
That was more than enough for the defensive effort led by keeper Henry Hooks as he picked up his first career shutout. Maryville put one shot on goal, which Hooks saved in the 72nd minute, and the rest of the back-line stood strong allowing limited opportunities for Maryville (0-1, 0-1 USA South).
Stout and Owen led all players with five shots apiece for Covenant. Four of Stout's attempts were on target.
Manfred made seven saves in the losing effort. Maryville played the final 18 minutes down a man after Austin Vinyard was red-carded in the 73rd minute.
UP NEXT
Covenant continues USA South play at home on Saturday, Feb. 20 against Brevard. Kick-off is set for 2 p.m. at Scotland Yard. Per USA South policy, only Covenant students, faculty, and staff will be allowed to attend the match.
CONNECT WITH THE SCOTS
Be sure to follow the Scots all season long on athletics.covenant.edu and on social media at Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for up-to-date scores, news and other information. To receive e-newsletters, click here
