MINNEAPOLIS - The Martin Luther College men's soccer team recorded its first shutout of the season in a 4-0 win at North Central University (NCU) on Wednesday night.

The Knights played well from the jump, with several opportunities early, including a shot from Lucas Martin that went off the post in the 14th minute, and finally got on the board in the 23rd minute on a goal by Josiah Wordell.

Less than three minutes later, midfielder Clay Hirsch got into the act with a goal in the 26th minute to send MLC into the half with a 2-0 lead. 

Isaias Santos assisted on both first-half goals.

The second half was more of the same for the Knights, as Martin joined in the act with a goal from the edge of the box in the 54th minute off assists from Joel Schewe and Wordell.

Less than two minutes later, Hirsch finished the scoring with a goal from around the same spot, this time off a set up from Martin.

That was all the Knights needed, as the defense and keeper Michael Friesenegger held the Rams scoreless for their first clean sheet of the season. Friesenegger's 10 saves helped him to his first career shutout in goal.

Martin led MLC with eight shots, including five shots on goal.

MLC improved to 5-12-0 on the season and 4-9-0 in UMAC play with the win. NCU fell to 5-11-0 overall and 3-10-0 in league play with the loss.

The Knights will close the 2021 season with at Northwestern on Saturday, October 30. That game is scheduled to start at 3:30 p.m.