Lynchburg, Va. -- After Keaton Napior hopped up and nodded a ball past the keeper on the first corner kick of the contest, the University of Lynchburg men's soccer team held onto the advantage for a 1-0 victory over Mary Washington for the team's Code Red game on Wednesday night at Shellenberger Field.

The Hornets (4-0-2) claimed their third straight victory with tonight's triumph against the Eagles (3-4). From the opening whistle to the final horn, both sides played with tenacious aggression. In the seventh minute, Lynchburg pushed into the offensive third, earning the first corner kick of the match. Evan Pask sent a high-flying ball to the head of Napior near the center of box, who pushed it past the Eagles netminder Tristan Kickbush, giving the Hornets a one goal edge that lasted the remainder of the outing. 

A defensive battle took place for the next 27:43 before Mattias Bonarriva was distributed a red card in the 35th minute. Following a UMW throw in on Lynchburg's end, the Hornets gained possession and quickly looked to counter. As Kohlby Wilson had a breakaway chance on goal just after crossing the halfway line, Bonarriva took him down on an attempt at the ball and was awarded a red.

Once the Hornets had the extra man, they were able to take advantage on the offensive end, firing off one shot on goal before the break and 14 total shots in the second half. Exactly half of those chances in the final 45 minutes were on frame. The Eagles' goaltender Kickbush was determined, making seven crucial stops to keep his side in contention. Although the defense stood stout for UMW, they were unable to create much on the attacking end as the Lynchburg defensive unit was diligent, allowing just one two shots in the second half.

The Hornets remain the only unbeaten team in the ODAC thus far. Next on the slate is a neutral-site midweek-match against Franklin and Marshall on Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 4 p.m. in Harrisonburg, Va. at the Horizons Edge Sports Campus.

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