Columbia, Ky. - Despite a strong defensive effort, a deep cross from the left side of the box by Lindsey Wilson College junior defender Michael Azira found sophomore forward Lwandiso Gonya for a header goal in the game's 17th minute and provided all the offense needed to lift the No. 1 ranked Blue Raiders to a 1-0 victory over visiting Saint Xavier University Saturday evening at Walter S. Reuling Stadium in Columbia, Ky. It was the season opener for both teams. The Cougar offense finished the game with three shots, but had just one on-goal off the foot of junior midfielder Al Palar (Zabrze, Poland/Plainfield Central).

Freshman keeper Kyle Held (Palatine, Ill./Palatine) was solid in goal for SXU allowing just the lone goal and finishing with one save in his collegiate debut. Lindsey Wilson played tough offensively finishing the game with 11 total shots compared to just three by Saint Xavier. The Blue Raiders also held a 9-3 advantage over the Cougars on corner kicks in Saturday's match-up. A brief, yet heavy, rain just prior to kickoff led to very sloppy field conditions and likely slowed down the offensive attacks for both teams.

Saint Xavier (0-1 overall) continues its 2010 season on Friday, August 27, with its home opener against Missouri Baptist College (Mo.). The game is scheduled for a 7 p.m. start at Bruce R. Deaton Memorial Field in Chicago.