The St. Edward’s University men’s soccer team defeated Newman 1-0 on Sunday, winning their first Heartland Conference match of the season in their first attempt.

St. Edward’s (2-1) went back-and-forth with Newman (1-2) in the first half, but senior Trey Perkins was able to send a pass to Joeski Williams, who scored what would be the Hilltoppers’ only goal in the 27th minute.

The Jets tried to respond to St. Edward’s goal in the remainder of the first half, shooting four goals, none of which were successful.

St. Edward’s played strong defense in the second half, and goalkeeper John Kaschak punched away a potential Newman goal in the 77th minute.

The game was Kaschak’s second shutout of the season.

“It is fantastic to win the first conference game of the season,” head coach Brian Young said. “Newman is a hard team to play at home because their pitch surface is very difficult to play on.”

Young was also pleased with the defense line, mentioning that they have not given up a goal since the second half of the game against Truman.

“This week we will be working on spread of play, defensive intensity, and defense in the middle third of the field,” Young said. “So far our team chemistry has been the best it has ever been, but it is still early in the season.”

The Hilltopper men will now ready themselves for their second Heartland Conference game of the year against the UT-Permian Basin Falcons in Odessa, Texas, on Sept. 17.