In a familiar match-up with conference rival Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Colleges, the University of Redlands men’s soccer team gained a 1-0 lead in the 18th minute of play and held on for the exciting victory. The Bulldogs looked to last year’s Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) Player of the Year, junior Ross Schunk (Portland, OR), to provide the game-winner.

Early in the first half, Schunk followed up on an offensive opportunity that first was deflected by a Stag defender and then tipped by the opposing goalkeeper. Due to his persistence, Schunk gained an open net for the easy score. This proved sufficient as the Redlands defense snuffed out CMS’ efforts to tie the game, with senior goalkeeper Andy Roraff (Highland, CA) making three stops to preserve the shutout.

Overall, the teams competed in an intense and physical manner from the opening minutes. They were evenly matched with nine shots apiece, including four on target for Redlands. The Bulldogs edged out the Stags in corner kicks, gaining five opportunities to their three.

The Bulldogs sit atop the standings with their 5-1 SCIAC record. Tonight’s results between Cal Lutheran University and Occidental College determine if the Bulldogs own first place or remain in a tie with the Kingsmen.

With today’s victory, Redlands improves to 8-2 and extends its winning streak to six.

The Bulldogs next welcome the Sagehens of Pomona-Pitzer Colleges to Farquhar Field on Wednesday at 7 p.m.