The Emory University men's soccer team became the first University Athletic Association program to reach three wins as the Eagles seized the conference lead with a 1-0 verdict over Brandeis University Friday night in Waltham, Massachusetts.
Emory's one-goal decision, coupled with results from around the league, sees the Eagles end the night in sole possession of first place in the UAA table with a 3-1 record and nine points. Emory now stands at 6-6-1 overall with three games remaining while Brandeis slipped to 6-5-2 overall and 2-2 in league play.
The decisive goal came in the 37th minute as graduate student Ryan Winkler and junior Josh Grand synced up on one of the nicer combinations from the Eagles this season. From midfield, Grand dribbled to 25 yards out before dishing it to the left flank to find an unmarked Winkler. From there, Winkler one-timed a curling shot to the right netting for his UAA-leading eighth goal of the season. It marked the fifth time Winkler and Grand linked up on a goal this season.
One goal was enough for the Emory defense as the Eagles proved to be a stingy blockade on the night. Emory allowed just one shot on goal across 90 minutes and allowed seven shots total to earn its third shutout of the season.