EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. - Lindenwood men's soccer (7-6-6, 3-3-4 OVC) won their opening round matchup at the Ohio Valley Conference Championships against Chicago State (5-10-4, 3-4-3 OVC) by a final score of 2-0. Lions advance to the semifinals against #1 SIUE.

"Always these margins are tight for all teams, the first game went to a shoot out and our game was tight as well," said head coach Kris Bertsch. "It was a very difficult game but I am glad we got the shutout in the end 2-0 and we will have to regroup and refocus for the semifinals on Wednesday."

The Lions offense was out-shot in Sunday's win, but Lindenwood was able to capitalize early in order to secure their seventh victory of the season. Matteo Boasso secured the game winning goal in the fifth minute of action after a precise cross by Mekhi Wright into the box to put LU up 1-0. Ethan Blake would also get credited for an assist.

Enzo Gil made two saves in the first half to keep the Cougars off the board and secure their 1-0 lead heading into halftime. CSU had four shots in the first half landing two of them on goal. Wright also had a shot that was blocked in the first 45 minutes of action.

Chicago State ramped up the pressure in half two with the Cougars taking eight shots in the final 45 minutes. Gil ended his night in goal with six saves, his second most of the season. The defense was led by Noe Bijou and Cameron Caldwell who helped control the tempo of the game.

Blake continued his strong first season with the Lions scoring Lindenwood's second goal of the night with a goal in the right corner of the net during the 79th minute to clinch the win. He leads the team in goals this season with six. He was assisted by Boasso and Josh Francombe.

Boasso's goal was the first goal scored in the inaugural OVC Championships (first game in tournament ended in a 0-0 tie with penalty kicks). The win also marks the first win in postseason history for the Lions during their Division I era.

Lindenwood will continue play in the OVC Championships on Wednesday, Nov. 8 at 6:00 p.m. as they take on the host team #1 SIUE. For more information go to lindenwoodlions.com.