ANGOLA, IND. – A pair of second half goals helped propel Manchester University men’s soccer squad to a win over in-state rival Trine University Sept. 8.

The Spartans’ 2-1 decision over the Thunder closed their appearance at the two-day Trine University Ketner Classic with a split. Kalamazoo College of Michigan held off a strong charge from Coach Dave Good’s team on Sept. 7 to win 1-0.

After facing a 1-0 deficit late in the opening frame due to a Trine goal, MU came out of the second half quickly with the equalizer just three minutes in. Senior forward Dian Radev (Burgas, Bulgaria), scoring his team-best second goal of the year, sent a strike just past Trine’s keeper into the left side of the net. Radev came back later in the second half to assist with the game-winner, feeding senior midfielder Cody Freels (Auburn, Ind.) for a score in the 73^rd minute.

Senior goalkeeper Grant Noakes (LaPorte, Ind.) made Freels’ score stand up, blanking the Thunder over the final 27 minutes for the win in net. His five-save outing was added to a five-save effort against the Hornets in the tournament’s opening match.

Manchester University continues its current road stretch with another in-state rival visit to Huntington College Wednesday, Sept. 12. Match time at Huntington College soccer field is 5 p.m.

SPARTAN SHORTS: Radev’s assist was his third and moved his point total to seven. He currently leads the Black and Gold in goals, assists, points and shots (14).  … With his game-winner against Trine, Freels became the fourth Spartan to post a goal to date joining Radev, senior midfielder Carson McFadden (Elgin, Ill.) and senior midfielder/forward Andrew Gray (Anderson, Ind.).

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