FORT WORTH, TX:  The Texas Wesleyan University men's soccer team (7-3, 1-1 SAC) picked up its first Sooner Athletic Conference win of the season at Martin Field on Saturday with a 1-0 decision over Wayland Baptist University (4-3, 0-2 SAC).
 
The Rams took just one shot in the first half, but they certainly made the most of it.  In the 33rd minute, Alex Ellis played a corner kick from the right side that found Preston Baker well beyond the back post.  Baker settled the ball and angled a tough shot into the right side of the net.
 
Defense prevailed for the remainder of the game as the two teams combined for just 6 shots on goal.
 
In the 53rd minute, Ojuok Otieno nearly made it 2-0, but his shot from the top of the box bounced off the cross bar twice before falling out.  The Rams had another beautiful opportunity in the 61st minute when a flying header from Denis Ushakov sent the ball into the net.  Ushakov was whistled offside on a very close call, and the goal was nullified.
 
Marko Jovanovic (7-3) made three saves to preserve his fourth shutout of the season.  Palemon Plancarte made two saves for the Pioneers.
 
Wayland Baptist outshot Texas Wesleyan 16-7, but the Rams led 4-3 in shots on target.  The Rams also led 5-2 in corner kicks.  The foul count was 21-12 against the Rams, and Texas Wesleyan was called offside 4 times to 2 for WBU.
 
The Rams will return to action on Tuesday, when they travel to Oklahoma City, OK, to take on Mid-America Christian University.  That game is scheduled for a 4:00 p.m. start.
 
Ramblings

---

 
- Saturday's win levelled the all-time series with Wayland Baptist 3-3.  The Rams are 12-5-1 all-time in Sooner Athletic Conference play and 2-1 against MACU.
 
- The Rams had five shutouts last season.  The school record is 8 in one season (2013).