SEARCY — 5th-year goalkeeper Andrew Wagenblatt recorded a season-high 11 saves, but Newman scored late in the first half and added insurance in the second period to hand Harding a 2-0 Great American Conference setback Saturday afternoon at Stevens Soccer Complex.
Newman (3-7-0, 2-2-0 GAC) broke a scoreless deadlock in the final minute of the opening half. In the 45th minute (44:34), Yohsuke Ono unleashed a long-range strike from 35 yards out off passes from Gabriel Sasso and Higor Werneck to put the Jets ahead 1-0.
The Jets doubled their margin in the 77th minute (76:10) when Io Shono whipped a cross from the left flank over the defense to Skylur Staley at the far post for the finish.
Harding (0-9-0, 0-3-0 GAC) put three of its five shot attempts on frame. 2nd-year midfielder Maverick McCaig tested Newman keeper Guilherme Borges early in the third minute, while 2nd-year defender Noah Legge and 3rd-year defender Dylan Chambers each added second-half shots on target. 2nd-year midfielder Roman Berry and 4th-year defender Mario Alejo also registered shot attempts for the Bisons.
Match Notes
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In Net: Wagenblatt's 11 saves marked his highest total of the season and his second career match with double-digit stops. Borges made two saves alongside a team save to earn the shutout for Newman.
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Shot Totals: Newman held a 31-5 advantage in total shots and a 13-3 edge in shots on goal. The Jets also earned 13 corner kicks to Harding's one.
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Series History: The Jets take a 6-5-3 lead in the all-time series between the two programs.
Up Next
Harding hits the road to resume GAC action on Thursday, Oct. 1, traveling to Claremore, Okla., to take on Rogers State. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
