HATTIESBURG, Miss. – On Saturday night in a Southern States Athletic Conference Tournament first-round game, the No. 7-seed Southern Polytechnic State University men's soccer team shut out the host and No. 2-seeded William Carey University Crusaders, 1-0, at Crusader Field. William Carey is ranked 10th nationally in the NAIA.

"For the sixth time in our short seven-year history, we have made it to the SSAC Tournament Final Four," Southern Polytechnic head coach Kom Momeni said. "I am so proud of our players and staff. This is such a strong conference that this accomplishment is truly meaningful.

"The entire team, led by our seniors, defended with immense passion and discipline. It is mentally exhausting to defend a lead for 85 minutes, but the players did a great job."

The only goal of the game came when Southern Poly's Omar Kanteh scored in the fifth minute (4:39) of the match.

The Crusaders outshot the Hornets 16-9, including 9-3 in the second half and 5-2 on goal. WCU, which was awarded 10 corner kicks to SPSU's four, was called for 14 fouls and Southern Poly 12.

Vincent Easterbrook played the full 90 minutes in goal for the Hornets and posted the shutout. He registered five saves.

"We beat an excellent William Carey team tonight, and I hope that the players enjoy it," Momeni said. "However, we need to refocus and get ready for a very talented Martin Methodist team."

SPSU improves to 10-5-2 overall while William Carey is 12-5-1. Southern Poly advances to face the No. 3-seeded Martin Methodist College RedHawks in an SSAC Tournament semifinal contest on Thursday in Montgomery, Ala.