CLEVELAND, Miss. — The Delta State University men's soccer earned a statement victory Sunday morning, defeating Sunshine State Conference opponent Eckerd College, 3-0, at Delta Field. The win marks the Statesmen's first victory over a Sunshine State Conference program since 2017.
Delta State (2-1-1) controlled the match from the outset, applying consistent pressure in the attacking third and limiting Eckerd's opportunities throughout the contest. The Statesmen finished with 11 shots, including seven on goal, while holding the Tritons to just three shots on target.
The breakthrough came in the 30th minute when Ajay Stewart found the back of the net for his first goal of the season off an assist from Tazjean Bird and Samuel Fitschen. Just over four minutes later, Lucas Crowley doubled the lead with his first collegiate goal, again set up by Bird, giving Delta State a 2-0 advantage heading into halftime.
Delta State extended its lead early in the second half as Justin Krampl scored in the 53rd minute, finishing a pass from Mills Sheridan to push the margin to 3-0.
In goal, Daniel Santema was solid for the Statesmen, recording three saves and earning his third clean sheet of the season in all 90 minutes of action. The Delta State defense remained organized throughout, fending off a late push from Eckerd (1-3-0) to preserve the shutout.
Tazjean Bird led the Statesmen offensively with two assists, while Stewart, Crowley, and Krampl each tallied their first goals of the season in the victory.
Delta State returns to action this upcoming Wednesday afternoon as they will take on the Buccaneers from Christian Brothers University. That match will kick off at 3:30 p.m.
