COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Freshman forward Ethan Spivack netted his first collegiate goal in the 72nd minute to lift the Army men’s soccer team to a 1-0 win over its service academy rival Air Force on Saturday night at Cadet Soccer Stadium.

The Black Knights, who recorded their third consecutive shutout to open the season, improve to 3-0 overall, while the Falcons slip to 0-3. The victory marks the first time Army has started its year 3-0 since 2007, when it opened with four consecutive wins.

“I am ecstatic for our players,” said Army men’s soccer head coach Russell Payne. “They get 18 opportunities in the regular season, but two of those opportunities have a little more significance in terms of being against academy teams.”

Junior goalkeeper Winston Boldt made four stops for Army to earn his third shutout of the season, and the seventh of his career.

Freshman goalie Jake Schenk made five saves for Air Force in his home debut.

Junior back Sean Mogan registered the game’s first shot on net in the 24th minute for the Black Knights, but was denied by Schenk. The Falcons quickly grabbed the momentum though, as junior forward Zach Modly hit the post in the 34th minute before classmate Luke Welch narrowly missed the right post in the 37th minute. Mogan delivered the final attempt of the half, firing a shot that was saved by Schenk following a long free kick with just seconds remaining in the frame. Air Force held an 8-4 advantage in shots after the opening half, as Boldt needed to make three saves to keep the Falcons off the board.

Air Force fired two shots in the opening stages of the second half, but the Black Knights countered with a pair of shots over an 8:31 stretch before Spivack’s game winner. Spivack found the back of the net on a shot from the edge of the 18-yard box after controlling the rebound off of a deflection.

“That’s why Ethan’s here,” Payne said. “He has the ability to create goals out of nothing. We were chasing the game a lot tonight, and it takes a special striker like Ethan to pounce on the opportunity.”

Army did well defensively, as it blocked attempts in the 81st and 82nd minutes to keep the Falcons from netting the equalizer. The Black Knights held the hosts without a shot over the contest’s final 8:06 to seal the victory.

Army returns home on Wednesday, Sept. 11, when it welcomes Marist to Clinton Field at 7 p.m.

Match Notes: Army improves to 15-7-3 all-time versus Air Force … freshman Ethan Spivack scored his first career goal … junior Winston Boldt notched his seventh career shutout, and third of the season, with a four-save effort … the Black Knights improve to 3-0 for the first time since 2007, and for the first time under fourth year head coach Russell Payne.

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