WICHITA, Kan. – The Newman University men's soccer team did exactly what they needed to do Saturday afternoon (Oct. 27) winning 1-0 over St. Mary's University, clinching a postseason berth in the Heartland Conference Tournament for the fourth time in the last five years. The Jets conclude the regular season 10-7-1 and 7-6-1 in the Heartland Conference, second best in the North Division.

Sophomore Ignacio Lerech continued his hot streak wasting no time netting home a rocket inside the far post putting the Jets out front early 1-0 off Victor Rubio Lopez deep cross in the 2nd minute. Lerech recorded his third straight game with a goal and sixth goal in the last eight games.

Neither team was able to create many scoring opportunities after the early goal. The Jets took the 1-0 lead into the halftime break. The Jets and Rattlers each fired three shots in the first forty-five minutes of the game.  

The second half was much like the first half as both defenses continued to dominate, despite the Jets holding a 7-5 edge on shots in the second half. Lerech led the Jets with six shots, five of which were shot on target.

Jean Claude Consol kept the game scoreless in the 80th minute deflecting away a Rattlers shot middle of the box just inside the 18'. Consol collected his first collegiate shutout, recording three of his four saves in the second half.

The Jets secured the fourth seed in the Heartland Conference Tournament after Texas A&M International defeated Rogers State, West Texas A&M knocked off Eastern New Mexico and UT Permian Basin upset Lubbock Christian. The Jets will host the opening round matchup Tuesday evening (Oct. 30) at 7:00 p.m. against the 5-seed St. Edward's at Wilkins Field in Wichita, KS.