IMMACULATA, Pa. – A goal in the 63rd minute from senior forward Joshua Coster proved to be the difference as the Ursinus College men's soccer team earned a 1-0 victory over Immaculata University on Wednesday evening from Draper Walsh Stadium.

 
With the victory, Ursinus improves to 3-0 to open the 2024 campaign, marking the second consecutive season that the Bears have won each of their first three contests. The Bears have outscored their opponents 16-0 through the first three contests which ranks tied for third in Division III.

 
The Bears nearly jumped on the board at the 15:02-mark as they were awarded a free kick about 10-yards from the box. Costerr sent a cross into the box finding an open teammate, but the Bears were called offside nullifying the scoring attempt. Each team were awarded corner kick opportunities over the next ten minutes of play, before the Mighty Macs recorded back-to-back shots on goal during the 29th minute. After being awarded a free kick just outside the box, Immaculata nearly captured the opening goal, but a diving save from senior netminder Zach Matik kept the contest scoreless. Matik and the Bears defense continued to stand tall as they denied three more scoring opportunities and kept the game tied at zero heading into halftime.

 
Each team traded a shot on goal to open the second half, before Immaculata recorded back-to-back opportunities during the 52nd minute. The Mighty Macs nearly capitalized off a free kick, but a shot from in front of the net found the chest of Matik to keep the contest tied. The Bears fired a trio of shots during the 63rd minute, with the final chance finding the back out of the net Coster. After a free-kick opportunity, senior Luke Luehrs nearly put the Bears ahead, but his shot deflected off the left woodwork. The Mighty Macs failed clear attempt found Coster and after a single touch, he fired a line drive towards the top right corner for the go-ahead goal. The Bears kept the offensive pressure and out shot the Mighty Macs 6-3 over the remainder of the contest to hold onto the 1-0 victory.

 
The Mighty Macs held a 17-16 edge in shots, a 9-4 advantage in shots on goal, and a 4-3 lead in corner kick opportunities. A total of seven yellow cards were handed out between the two teams. Matik earned the victory in goal collecting nine saves, meanwhile Immaculata's John Wilhelm was dealt the loss behind three saves.
 

The Bears will return to action on Wednesday, September 11th as they travel to Rosemont College for a non-conference matchup starting at 6 p.m.