WICHITA, Kan. – The Newman University men's soccer team struck fast and early, scoring the lone goal in the seventh minute Tuesday evening (Oct. 30) in a 1-0 victory over St. Edwards, in the opening round of the Heartland Conference Tournament.

The Jets with the win improved to 11-7-1 on the year, advancing to the Heartland Conference Semifinals set for 7:00 p.m. Friday night (Nov. 2), against top-seeded host school and nationally ranked 6th team in the nation, Midwestern State University.

The Jets gained the early 1-0 advantage in the seventh minute, as sophomore forward Ignacio Lerech crossed a beautiful ball from the left side, finding the wide open Wichita, KS native Taylor White cutting down the middle of the field placing it perfect just outside the right 6' box, hammering home his third goal of the season into the wide open net.

The Jets' offense struggled to get anymore scoring opportunities in the half, finding themselves outshot 3-1 in the first forty-five minutes despite having the 1-0 advantage.

Ignacio Lerech gave the Jets a great scoring opportunity in the 55th minute but was unlucky as his shot was saved by the Hilltoppers keeper keeping it 1-0.  Freshman keeper Jean Claude Consol made a spectacular game saving save in the 85th minute stopping a hard strike attempt. The Jets packed it in late on defense cruising to the 1-0 victory. The Jets outshot the Hilltoppers in the second half 3-1, as both teams each finished with four shots a piece in the contest.

The Jets have not allowed a goal scored in the last two matches posting back-to-back shutouts for the first time since Sept. 27th and Sept. 29th. Consol picked up his third shutout of the season, improving to 6-2-1 in net for the Jets.

The Jets continued to stay hot winning their four straight game, while also having won five of their last six. The Jets will be looking to nab their first win against the Mustangs and they dropped both contests in the regular season, falling 3-1 on the road early in the season and dropping a heartbreaking 1-0 loss just three weeks ago at home.