HATTIESBURG, Miss. – A resilient performance gave the Crusaders a win to start SSAC play as they knocked off U.T. Southern 2-1 on Thursday evening.
 
"Really happy we've been able to start conference play with a big win over a very tough opponent." Said Head Coach Barry Farrell. "U.T. Southern are a very good team and will cause a lot of problems for teams in this conference. The boys showed great character to dig deep and fight for a tough win."

U.T. Southern came out the blocks raring to go. The Firehawks went on the offensive, taking the game to the Crusaders. UTS opened the game with 5 shots in the opening 7 minutes, with two being on target. Jamie Barry and the WCU backline remained resolute and kept UTS off the scoreboard.
 
UTS's best chance came in the opening 2 minutes as they hit the woodwork off the corner. Filippo Fregoli found Benjamin Chretien at the back post whose header looped onto the crossbar and bounced away from danger.
 
Carey's best chance also came from a set piece. Marc Guerrero's corner found Danny Mulero on the edge of the box. Mulero set Salas who whipped an inswinging cross over the top of the UTS back line. Niall Lovelock found himself in unfamiliar territory as he got caught in two minds whether to control the cross or take the shot first time. Ultimately, Lovelock attempted to bring the ball under control but found his touch smothered by Louis Hester in the Firehawk net.
 
The second half started much the same as the first, with U.T. Southern starting like a house on fire, trying to find the go-ahead goal. Barry pulled off two big saves to keep the game goalless, both from one-on-ones from Luke McMahon and then Nick Miske.
 
Despite U.T. Southern having the better chances, it was the Crusaders that went ahead in the 70^th minute. Pedro Sao Tiago drove down the right side of the penalty area before pulling the ball back to an unmarked Santiago Molina who slotted the ball home.
 
Four minutes later, the Crusaders found what proved to be the game winner. Joshua Salas drove into the box before being brought down by the UTS defender. Salas stepped up to convert the penalty, sending the ball into the top left corner despite Hester guessing the right way.
 
With ten minutes to go, UTS found a lifeline back into the game. Fregoli stood over a free kick right next to the corner flag. Fregoli sent an inswinger right on over Barry's head and directly into the net.
 
The Firehawks went on the attack in the final 10 minutes in search of an equalizer. Carey's defensive shape stayed strong, frustrating UTS and limiting them to half chances. The Crusaders hung on to ensure they started their conference season with a win.
 
WCU are back in action Saturday, September 27^th as they host Blue Mountain Christian University at Danny Owens Field. That game is slated for a 4 PM kick off.