Freshman Will Thompson (Arlington, Va. / Gonzaga) scored what proved to be the game-winning goal in the final minutes of the first half, as the University of Mary Washington men's soccer team defeated Christopher Newport University, 2-1, on Homecoming Saturday at the Battleground. The Eagles improve to 8-3-2 on the season.

Mary Washington opened the scoring early, as junior Josh Kirkland (Richmond, Va./Deep Run) scored at 8:20, on an assist from senior defender Jacob Kautzman (Springfield, Va./South County). Christopher Newport tied the score at 1-1 at 26:39, but Thompson's score, on a slick pass from junior Gabe Francesconi (Berlin, N.J./Eastern Regional), gave the Eagles the lead at 41:59, and the momentum into the second half.

Both defenses stiffened in the second half, as both teams earned five shots, but niether side would find the net. UMW senior goalkeeper Ken Kurtz (Katonah, N.Y./Somers) made a sprawling save on a one-on-one breakaway to keep the lead intact.

Both teams had 11 shots on the day, with CNU holding a 5-2 edge in corner kicks. Kurtz made three saves in gaining the win between the pipes.

The Eagles will visit seven-time NCAA Division I champion University of Virginia on Monday at 5:00 p.m.