ST. CHARLES, Mo. - Lindenwood men's soccer (8-5-3, 4-2-2 OVC) earned an important three points on Friday evening as they defeated Liberty (7-6-1, 5-3-0 OVC) by a final score of 1-0. The Lions sit just one point behind the Flames heading into the final two matches of the season.

"What a great team effort and a bounce back performance," said head coach Kris Bertsch. "I was disappointed with our last result getting a tie, but I was really proud of everyone's effort and I think it was a well earned 1-0 victory."

After Friday night's victory, Lindenwood has now set their Division I record in wins with eight and Ohio Valley Conference wins with four. It also marks their most wins as a program since the 2018 season.

Noe Bijou was the hero on Friday scoring the lone goal in the 15th minute of play. Bijou has now scored in two consecutive games and helped Lindenwood secure their fourth OVC victory. Lindenwood's eighth win is the most wins by an OVC school this season.

Lindenwood's offense posted 12 shots on Friday with just three on goal. Liberty was able to maximize their shots with five of them coming on goal, but goal keeper Enzo Gil was able to keep them off the scoreboard. Gil now has five shutouts this season which is second best in the OVC. He made five saves during the win.

The Lions struck early in the second half scoring in the 15th minute of play after Bijou's second goal of the season. Ethan Blake and Jermaine Mentoor were credited with the assists as Bijou was able to sneak it by the keeper in the bottom left of the net. Lindenwood out-shot Liberty 9-1 in the first half.

"Liberty is a very good team and very good program," said Bertsch. "If you don't show up they are going to win games. We told the guys we have to match their energy levels and you have to compete."

Liberty's offense would make a strong push coming out of the break as they out-shot Lindenwood 6-3 in the final 45 minutes of play. Gil made all five of his saves in the second half including a save during the 88th minute off a shot by Liberty's Skyler Stricker. LU also kept the OVC leading point scorer Michael Huss off the scoreboard.

Lindenwood looks to continue their momentum next week as they travel to Eastern Illinois on Thursday, Oct. 31st at 4:00 p.m. CT. For more information go to lindenwoodlions.com.