CONWAY, Ark.  – Battling not only their opponent but also the remnants of Hurricane Isaac, the Lipscomb men’s soccer picked up their first win of the season on Friday evening at the Central Arkansas Invitational in Conway, Ark.

In their first game of the invite, the Bisons (1-2-0, 0-0-0 ASUN) knocked off the host Bears (2-1-0, 0-0-0 MVC) 1-0 after outlasting a weather delay and a barrage of 18 UCA shots at the Bill Stephens Soccer Complex.  

“It was a great team effort,” Lipscomb head coach Charles Morrow said. “The team showed great resilience tonight and were able to take advantage of our opportunities.”

Reaching the 81^st minute without a goal for either squad, sophomore Omar Djabi converted on his first career goal on just the Bisons second shot on goal of the game. Djabi found his opening 15 yards out, striking the ball into the net for the game winner.

UCA would have two opportunities to attempt and tie the game in the final nine minutes. The Bisons defense was resistant in deflating both Bears attacks.

Making his first start for the Bisons, junior goalkeeper John Schnurbusch earned the shutout victory stopping all five shots he faced.

The Bisons stood strong despite being outshot 18-8 including a 7-2 shot on goal ratio. To go along with Djabi’s goal, freshman Josue Chavez had the other Lipscomb shot on goal.

“The team showed a better understanding and execution of our system of play,” Morrow said. “While we are pleased with the result, the most encouraging thing is the team is starting to click and we still feel our best soccer is ahead of us.”

Lipscomb concludes the Central Arkansas Invitational on Monday with a noon contest against Missouri State in Conway.