QU men’s soccer team ends season with victory, finishes one spot out of GLVC Tournament

BOLIVAR, Mo. — The Quincy University men’s soccer team ended its regular season Sunday with a 1-0 shutout over Southwest Baptist. Ben Whitmore punched in the game-winning goal, and Michele Barletta and Christos Kalaitzis combined for the victory in goal.

Quincy ended the season with a 7-6-3 record. Last week’s game against William Jewell, which was scoreless at halftime and called a no contest after a two-hour storm delay, proved costly for the Hawks, who finished 5-5-3 in Great Lakes Valley Conference play. QU finished ninth in the league, with the top eight teams advancing to next week’s conference tournament. Lindenwood, which had a 6-5-3 record, finished eighth.

Quincy had SBU on the ropes late in the first half when it had three consecutive corner kicks. On the third one, Aubrey Reis’ corner went into the penalty area, and SBU goalkeeper Willy Lusansu tried to punch the ball away. Instead, the ball fell to the feet of Whitmore, who scored his first career goal from close range.

Barletta started the game in goal for the Hawks and made three saves in the opening 45 minutes. Kalaitzis came in to relieve Barletta in the second half and made three saves in a seven-minute span during the final 10 minutes of the game. He finished with five saves.