BANNER ELK, N.C. —  Will Whitman tallied a new career-high mark with eight saves and Alex Ljusberg converted a penalty kick as the Belmont Abbey men's soccer team defeated Lees-McRae 1-0 Wednesday night at Tate Field.
 
Ljusberg's goal came in the 65th minute after the Crusaders drew a foul in the box. It was one of seven shots on the night for the Abbey, three on target.
 
Whitman finished with eight saves to set a new career high and earn a clean sheet.
 
With the result, Belmont Abbey improves to 2-1-2 overall and 1-0-1 in Conference Carolinas play. Lees-McRae is now 1-2-2 overall, and 1-1 in the league. Wednesday's contest also marked the first Northwest Division contest for both teams.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• The first half proved to be a busy one for Whitman as he made five saves in the first 45 minutes.
• Belmont Abbey's lone first half shot came from Mikey Reid in the 11th minute.
• Adam Cooil took the first shot on target for the Crusaders in the 60th minute.
• Just a few minutes later, Thomas Binkowski drew the foul that would ultimately set up the winning goal from Ljusberg.
• The goal from the penalty spot was the second goal of the season for Ljusberg.
• The Crusaders withstood a final rally from the Bobcats, who took six shots over the final seven minutes of the match.
• Whitman made saves on both shots on target to preserve the win for the Crusaders.
• Lees-McRae outshot the Abbey 18-7 in the contest.

 
UP NEXT

• Belmont Abbey returns home to face Converse at 7 p.m. Saturday at Alumni Field.
• Four of the next five matches for the Crusaders will be at home.