SEARCY – Harding men's soccer tied its highest scoring output of the season and posted its second straight shutout with a 4-0 victory over Southwest Baptist in MIAA action Thursday at the Stevens Soccer Complex.
With the victory, Harding improved to 4-4-2 overall and 2-3-0 in conference play. The Bisons, playing for the first time since a 1-0 shutout of Ouachita Baptist 10 days earlier, moved into sole possession of fifth place in the MIAA standings. The top four teams advance to the conference tournament. Harding's next action, and its final home game of the season, is Saturday at 7 p.m. against MIAA leader Lindenwood.
Southwest Baptist remained winless on the season, dropping to 0-14-0 overall and 0-5-0 in the MIAA. The Bearcats were shutout for the fifth time this season.
Freshman Barry Foster gave Harding a 1-0 lead in the 33rd minute. He corralled the rebound off Ian Park's blocked shot and scored inside the far post for his third goal of the season and first career game-winning goal.
The Bisons led 1-0 at halftime and scored three in the second half for the first time this season. The four-goal haul matched Harding's total in a 4-3 overtime victory over Southern Nazarene on Sept. 26.
The second Harding goal came from sophomore Christopher Walker in the 57th minute. His free kick ricocheted off the wall back to Walker who scored low to the near post. It was his first goal of the season and second of his career.
Southwest Baptist had a chance to cut the lead in half in the 62nd minute. Harding was called for a foul in the 18-yard box, but senior goalkeeper Will Lynn dove to his left to save Colten Harden's penalty kick attempt. Lynn's save was one of five he made on the night in earning his second straight shutout.
Just under six minutes later, Harding earned its own penalty kick. Junior Cole Walker was fouled in the box and sent Southwest Baptist goalkeeper Austin Haywood the wrong way for his first goal of the season and fourth of his career.
Harding junior Ian Park scored his team-leading fourth goal of the season in the 79th minute on an assist from Christopher Walker to complete the Bisons' scoring.
Harding's 4-0 shutout was its largest in a conference game since blanking Alabama-Huntsville on the road by the same score in 2008.
The Bisons at 4-4-2 have a .500 record or better after 10 games for the first time since they were 5-4-1 to start the 2003 season.
