The Mount Union Purple Raiders, who came into Tuesday night’s matchup against the Waynesburg University men’s soccer team ranked 24th in all of Division III and had not allowed a goal through each of their first six games of the year.

Despite some prime opportunities throughout the game, the Yellow Jackets were unable to break Mount Union’s flawless defense as Waynesburg fell 1-0 to the Ohio Athletic Conference opponent.

The game was played physical from whistle to whistle as the team didn’t capitalize on some key chances, leading to a scoreless first half.

“In the first half we had a couple of chances,” said head coach Brad Heethuis. “Dom Lamberto had a chance, but the goalkeeper made a nice save and the [opportunity for] Danny Hott [was] kind of a breakaway and we didn’t end up getting a shot on net.”

Waynesburg (3-6) had six total shots in the game, five of which came in the first half.

The game winning goal for the Raiders (7-0) came at the 55:59 mark off the foot of freshman Tucker Ramirez. The goal came after a corner kick—Mount Union controlled the ball following the cross and after bouncing around in the box, Ramirez found it and put it in the left side of the net.

“We sort of switched off just a little bit,” said Heethuis. “We didn’t anticipate the header back.”

The game concluded with each team having double digit fouls, as Waynesburg had 11 and Mount Union had 14. Waynesburg allowed five corner kicks and had none of their own. Although the result wasn’t ideal, Heethuis was particularly impressed with the Yellow Jackets’ defense against the 24th-ranked Purple Raiders.

“I think it was a full 11 committing to playing a certain way,” said Heethuis. “We played disciplined and we made it difficult on them. It was a full 11 effort defensively…I thought we were better against set pieces tonight. We have been struggling giving up goals, and then we hold a nationally ranked team to one [goal] and so I thought the defense did well.”

Sophomore goalkeeper Adam Dolan had eight saves in the game. Dolan was happy with the defensive showing as well.

“My guys on defense, they continue to do really well,” said Dolan. “They help me out every chance they get, and they did a great job.”

The Yellow Jackets enter Presidents Athletic Conference (PAC) season at home against Saint Vincent (1-8). The Bearcats enter the game after losing their previous game at home against Hood College.

“I think we are more than ready,” said Dolan. “We feel very confident about this year, I think we might have a good run at it.”

The Yellow Jackets are currently ranked seventh in the PAC before conference play. Junior Justin Buberl, senior Tyler Sisler and Hott are tied for the lead in goals scored for the Jackets, each with three. Additionally, that mark ties the three Waynesburg players for third in the conference in goals.

After playing the Bearcats on Saturday, the Yellow Jackets will move on to play four of the next five games on the road. Kickoff for Saturday is set for 3:30 p.m.