SURPRISE, Ariz. – More stout defense and another Ariel De Dios Cruz goal kept the Southern Oregon men's soccer team perfect on Thursday night at Ottawa (Ariz.).
De Dios Cruz, the reigning Cascade Conference Player of the Week, broke a scoreless tie with a strike in the 71st minute that ultimately made the Raiders 1-0 winners. It was the sophomore's third goal and fourth involvement of the young season.
Irwin Leon assisted the play – he also put three shots on goal – helping the Raiders (3-0 overall) avenge last year's 3-0 loss to the Spirit in Ashland.
Ottawa (Ariz.), making its season debut, was dominated in the peripheral numbers – 18-4 in shots, 9-4 in shots on goal, and 11-2 in corner kicks.
Casey Ruvolo secured the shutout with four saves, corralling the last of those with 40 seconds left in the contest. It was the first shot the Spirit had generated in over 59 minutes.
Ruvolo is up to 24 career clean sheets, six away from the SOU record.
The Raiders continue the trip Saturday at Arizona Christian, which started its season with a 3-1 win against Northwest (Wash.). Kickoff is at 8 p.m.