EVANSVILLE, Ind. - Lindenwood men's soccer (5-4-1, 1-1-0 OVC) picks up their first Ohio Valley Conference win of the season after defeating Southern Indiana (2-8-0, 1-1-0 OVC) by a final score of 2-0. It marked the Lions' third shutout of the season.

"I am excited. It was a nice bounce back performance," said head coach Kris Bertsch. "We had two away games to start conference play. I was a little disappointed last time, but the guys responded very well and I thought it was a well-earned 2-0 victory."

It was an offensive day for the Lions' as they out-shot the Screaming Eagles 17-9 including seven shots on goal. Ethan Blake was the leading forward for Lindenwood posting five shots with two landing on goal and one in net.

Defensively, Lindenwood's goal keeper Enzo Gil posted his second shutout of the season, his first since the first match of the season. Gil made just two saves as the Lions' defense held USI to nine shots and just two on goal. Mekhi Wright, Luke Neely and Jermaine Mentoor all played over 65 minutes on defense for LU.

Blake got the scoring underway in the ninth minute of action after a cross by John Gates into the box which Blake controlled off his body leading to a goal in the bottom right of the net. Anel Kafedzic had the first pass to Gates for his second assist of the season. Blake is now tied for second in the OVC in points with 12.

Lindenwood's defense was sound during the first 45 minutes of action not allowing a single shot on goal by Southern Indiana. The Screaming Eagles' goalie Andrew Klott had three saves during the first half.

The majority of the second half was neck and neck but the Lions took a 2-0 lead late during the 75th minute with Gates' third-goal of the season. He is now tied for the team lead with Matteo Boasso in goals.  Cameron Caldwell and Jozef Palushaj had the assists on the Lions' goal.

Gil was busier in the second half making two saves in net. Lindenwood had 10 shots in the second half to just six by the Screaming Eagles. The Lions' now control the all-time series with a 4-3 record.

Lindenwood will be back in action on Sunday, Oct. 6th at 3:00 p.m. CT as they return to Hunter Stadium for a matchup against Eastern Illinois. For more information go to lindenwoodlions.com.