Sioux Center, Iowa—The Spires held Dordt (IA) scoreless through the first half before two goals 19 seconds apart early in the second half propelled the hosts to a 3-0 victory Saturday at the Dordt Soccer Complex in Sioux Center, Iowa. Janssen broke the tie at 46:28, and Zabala doubled the lead at 46:47 in the decisive sequence.

Goalkeeper Xavier Ezell helped USM withstand Dordt's early pressure. Ezell made saves at 3:21 and 3:46, then stopped another attempt in the 17th minute as the match remained scoreless. DU held a 6-3 advantage in shots during the opening half, but the Spires created chances of its own. USM's Mario Santoro put an attempt on target in the 29th minute, requiring a defensive team save, and Aaron Jackson forced a save from goalkeeper Boned at 42:05.

The match changed quickly after halftime. Martin assisted Janssen on the game-winning goal less than two minutes into the second half. The Defenders struck again on its next surge, with Zabala scoring off assists from D'Silva and Martin to make it 2-0.

USM continued to push forward, earning four corner kicks and placing four of six shots on goal. Damon Walter sent a header wide following a corner in the 58th minute, and also tested Alvaro Boned with a shot on goal at 77:14. Mario Santoro finished with two shots on goal, and Walter recorded two total attempts. Ezell made four individual saves, while the defense added a team save.
 
Coming Up…
The Spires will come back home this week on Wednesday, September 2^nd as they host the Doane University Tigers at 7:00 p.m. at Charles Berkel Memorial Stadium.