ST. GEORGE, Utah – Lindenwood men's soccer (3-2-1, 0-0-0 OVC) kept their win streak alive with some late game heroics by Jordan Matthews who scored the game winning goal with 1:29 left in a 2-1 win over Utah Tech (1-4-1, 0-0-0 WAC). It marked the second time in the last three matches that the Lions have scored the game-winning goal with under two minutes to play.

"It was a really tough match," said head coach Kris Bertsch. "It started yesterday with a lot of travel but the guys had good spirits about it and we responded really well. It was a really good first half, but we scored no goals. They got the first goal, but I loved our resiliency and we came back to find the game winner in the 89th minute."
 
The Lions had a total of 18 shots during Friday night's contest while holding their opponent to just four. Half of Lindenwood's shots were on goal landing two in the back of the net including the game winner in the 89^th minute.
 
Lindenwood had plenty of opportunities in the first half against Utah Tech on the offensive side of the field. Despite the 0-0 tie after 45 minutes of action, Lindenwood had 12 shots including five on goal.
 
The Lions attacked the Trailblazers zone early on allowing Lindenwood to post five corners in the first half. Nine different Lions had a shot during that time including three with multiple chances.
 
Isaac Johnson had an early break away off a throw in during the second minute of the game but missed low and was stopped by Stockton Short of Utah Tech. Short had five saves in the first half. Josh Francombe, John Gates, Luke Neely and Jozef Palushaj all had shots on goal in the first half.
 
Lindenwood's defense was stout allowing just two shots in the first half. Defenders Jermaine Mentoor and Neely played all 45 minutes leading into halftime.
 
After an hour delay caused by technical issues, Utah Tech capitalized with a goal by Anthony Godinez on Enzo Gil during the 54^th minute to give UT a 1-0 lead.
 
Lindenwood's offense slowed down a bit with just five shots in the second half while Utah Tech was left with just two during the back half of the game.
 
The Lions broke into the scoring column during the 72^nd minute after a UT foul resulted in a free kick. Ethan Blake got the first shot off which was saved, but Gates came right behind him to clean up the shot and tie the match at 1-1. It marked Gates' first goal with LU.

Coming down to the wire, both teams were trading off possessions before Matthews got the ball on a breakaway with Anel Kafedzic. After Matthews passed to Kafedzic just outside the box, Kafedzic gave it right back and Matthews scored in the top right half of the box during the 89th minute to give Lindenwood their third straight victory. It marked the first time in the Division I era for Lindenwood that they have won three straight and the first time since 2021.

Lindenwood will stay on the west coast after this weekend as they take on Utah Valley in Orem, Utah on Monday, Sept. 16th at 7:00 p.m. CT. For more information go to lindenwoodlions.com.