With a large crowd on hand, the Southwestern men’s soccer team dominated almost every facet of the game to take a 1-0 win on a late goal by Alex Keller (pictured). The strong Pirate defense allowed only 1 corner and 6 shots.

In a fast and furious first half, the Hendrix and Southwestern University men battled to a 0-0 draw in the first 45. The period saw three yellow cards and most of the play took place on the Hendrix end of the field. The Pirates were awarded 8 corner kicks to the Warriors’ 1.

Junior Tim Hord started Southwestern’s dominance of the corner kicks by earning a corner kick on a long run only 37 seconds into the game. From here, the Pirates were awarded 4 corner kicks in the next 2 and a half minutes. Despite the lopsided corner kick count, the Pirates managed 4 shots to the Warriors’ 3. SU’s shots came from familiar faces with Tim Hord, senior David Lozano, senior Josh Spencer and senior Checo Carreon putting the pressure on the Warrior goal keeper.

The Pirates came out determined in the second half and put pressure on goal early and often. In the 54th minute, Southwestern missed a scoring opportunity when Lozano could not connect with Alex Keller on a crossing ball that had taken the Hendrix keeper out of the play.

The Pirates’ advantage in corner kicks finally paid off when Fernando Leon connected with Alex Keller who, on a header, put the ball into the Hendrix goal to take a 1-0 lead. From here, the Southwestern back line took over and kept the Warriors away from goal for the rest of the game.

Alex Keller scored his 8th goal of the season. The assist was Leon’s 2nd. The Pirates out shot the Warriors 11 to 6 while taking 14 corners to the Warriors’ 1.

Southwestern improves to 8-9 on the season and 4-5 in conference while the Warriors fall to 9-7-2 and 4-3-2 in conference. SU will wrap up the season with senior day on Sunday when they take on Rhodes beginning at 11:00 am.