Wildcats make first half goal stand up in upset of defending NAIA champions.    

    Celebrating its 20th season of existence, the Culver-Stockton College men's soccer team collected arguably its biggest victory in the program's history Tuesday afternoon at Ayers Field.

      "To be able to play with and ultimately defeat a team of Graceland's stature says a lot about where our program is headed," said Wildcat coach Mark Thomas. " The kids did everything asked of them and they were rewarded with a victory."

     The Wildcats got a goal from forward Mahamat Ali Tchetchere in the 25th minute, and then survived a late barrage of scoring chances by Graceland, to upset the third-ranked and defending NAIA national champions 1-0.

     The game was scoreless with both team stuck in the midfield when Tchetchere struck for the Wildcats.

     Adam Klingele collected the ball and dribbled down the right side before sending a crossing pass into the penalty area. Kyle Hayward flicked with his head to the goal box where Tchetchere one-timed it past Graceland goalie Matthew Nuttal.

     The Yellowjackets didn't go quietly in the second half.

     Trying to remain unbeaten, Graceland peppered Wildcat goalie Jake Kittrell with shot after shot in the closing minutes. Kittrell made four saves in the final minutes, and six on the day, to record his second shutout of the season.

     The Wildcats, now 5-10 overall and 2-4 in the Heart of America Athletic Conference, will host Avila University on Friday, Oct. 19, at Ayers Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.