Sterling, Kan.– In a thrilling end, Mario Santoro scored with just 35 seconds remaining to give the University of Saint Mary (7-5-3) a 1-0 KCAC victory over the Sterling College Warriors on Saturday, October 24, in Sterling, Kansas. Goalkeeper Xavier Ezell assisted on the winner at 89:25.

The Spires threatened early when Rylan Nowak hit the crossbar with their first shot at 11:05. Matias Allou put an attempt on goal 31 seconds later, but Sterling goalkeeper Kelly made the save. Kelly also denied Santoro at 20:36, and the teams reached halftime scoreless with USM holding a 5-3 edge in shots.

The Spires would increase the pressure after halftime, out shooting SC 15-1 over the final 45 minutes. Kelly stopped Santoro at 50:08 and Alfie Scandle at 61:53 before the Warriors Gomez Carvajal made a defensive save on Allou's attempt at 73:06. Jacob Mena then forced another save at 79:04 as the Spires continued searching for the breakthrough.

Allou was denied again at 85:26, and Kelly stopped Santoro at 87:54 before the late winner. Santoro and Allou each finished with five shots, including four on goal. Mena and Damon Walter added three shots apiece, while Scandle recorded two. USM finished with advantages of 20-4 in shots, 10-1 in shots on goal and 5-3 in corner kicks. Kelly totaled eight saves.

The victory moved the Spires to 7-3-1 in conference play, while SC fell to 1-11-0. Ezell played all 90 minutes and needed just one save to secure the shutout, but it came at an absolutely critical moment. With just seven seconds remaining, Ezell stopped Ibrahim Curtis-Kaduma's header to preserve his teams one-goal lead.

Your Spires currently sit fifth in the KCAC standings with just two regular-season games remaining as they look to make an exciting push toward the postseason.
 
Coming Up…

The Spires will spend a week at home as they host the Evangel University Valor on Wednesday, October 28 at Berkel Memorial with kick-off slated for 7:30 p.m.