CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. – Campbellsville University claimed the top spot in the Mid-South Conference Thursday night, winning its MSC opener 1-0 over Cumberland University at Finley Stadium.

The game-winner came with 7:02 remaining during an intense fight for the ball in front of the Bulldogs' net.

BOX SCORE

Ross Lindsay drew Cumberland goalkeeper Ian Hamilton away from the net and fell on top of the ball, but instead of shooting from the ground, he played the ball back to Jack Murray. Murray passed up a chance to power the ball through a cluster of players and set up Roraigh Yearwood on the right side, who threaded the ball between the right post and Cumberland defender Rodrick Zacharias.

"Tons of respect for all involved. Ross held that ball up really well, and I believe (Guilherme) Chengwas in there too," said CU head coach Adam Preston. "As coaches, we commented that if we were players, we'd want to hit that so bad. It takes real patience, game intelligence and calm in an intense situation to square that off to Roraigh. Tons of credit to Jack and the decision he made, and Roraigh's going to finish that. He's quality. That was a fantastic finish. To step through, find a hole and put it there, that's why he's an All-American."

Though the shot count lead heavily in Campbellsville's favor, 16-3, both teams struggled to find the net in a fairly well paced game. Starting centerback Dylon Speirs anchored the Tigers' backline for the second straight game as the defense did not allow a single shot on goal in their second straight shutout.

Prior to Yearwood's goal, the game looked to be headed to overtime for the second season, a game which CU pulled out 4-3 last year in Lebanon, Tenn., in the MSC opener.

"We knew Cumberland is a tough game for us, and we talked about needing to prove we could grit through a win, to fight through adversity and win the close ones. I think last year's team did that extremely well, and we're still finding out who we are this year," Preston said. "Did we play our best? No. I think we need to continue to work on building out attacks better and filling a few defensive holes, but I'm very impressed with the guys' will to win tonight, and I think that's what showed more than anything. We're going to be a better team, because they're willing to work for it."

Campbellsville (6-1, 1-0 MSC) will travel to No. 3 Lindsey Wilson College (3-0) on Tuesday, Sept. 16 for an 8 p.m. EDT game in Columbia, Ky.

Live video of the game will be provided by Lindsey Wilson College, here.