DUBUQUE, Iowa — The Carthage men's soccer team earned its first win of the season Sunday afternoon, defeating the University of Dubuque 1-0 at Oyen Field. The Firebirds struck midway through the first half and held firm defensively to secure the shutout on the road.

• Final Score: Carthage 1 – Dubuque 0
• Location: Dubuque, Iowa – Oyen Field
• Records: Carthage 1-3-1, Dubuque 0-6-2

• Carthage broke through in the 28th minute when Erik Sanchez finished off a feed from Dominic Gadalinski for his first goal of the season.
• Goalkeeper Aaron The anchored the Firebirds defensively, making five saves to preserve the clean sheet.
• Dubuque generated 14 shots, including five on goal, but Carthage's back line held steady in the second half to close out the win.

• Firebirds goalkeeper Aaron The made three saves on the day, including two in the first half to keep the match scoreless going into halftime.
• Carthage recorded six shots in the second half, led by three attempts from Theron Miceli and additional efforts that kept pressure on Dubuque's defense.
• Erik Sanchez scored on one of his two shots, while Dominic Gadalinski picked up his first assist of the season.

"The boys came out strong today, and we played some great soccer in the first half. We had chances to add to our goal, which would have made the second half easier. But Dubuque continued to push, and we had to dig deep during the last 10 minutes to seal the win. Credit to our guys for showing character and fight, and we now look forward to CCIW play."

• The Firebirds travel to Decatur, Illinois, next Saturday, September 27, to face Millikin at 5:30 p.m.