The Culver-Stockton College men's soccer team gave first-year head coach Tyler Hamilton a victory in his first game with a 1-0 victory over Avila University Saturday night at Ellison Poulton Stadium.

The lone tally came in the first five minutes of the second half when pressure by the Wildcats forced an Avila foul at the top of the penalty area.

Ruben Reinertsen converted the free kick, beating Eagle goalkeeper Jon Fager to the upper right-hand corner of the goal.

Avila had two golden chances to score in the opening period and both chances came within two minutes of each other.

In the 23rd minute, C-SC goalkeeper David Gavriliak was called for foul just outside the penalty area. Avila's Sam Kanda sailed the free kick high and the game remained scoreless.

Two minutes later, an Eagle attacker was taken down inside the box resulting in an Avila penalty kick. However, Kanda was stonewalled on the free kick by Gavriliak, who stopped the shot to the lower left corner.

Gavriliak made one other save in the match to preserve the shutout. He faced nine shots overall.

The Wildcats outshot the Eagles 13-9 in the game with the Wildcats holding a 3-2 edge on shots on goal. C-SC also held a 7-3 edge in corner kicks.

Hamilton is the second straight coach to win his inaugural game as the Wildcat mentor. Nic Powers captured his first game as head coach last season at Fontbonne.

The Wildcats are scheduled to host Fontbonne this Wednesday, Aug. 24, at Poulton Stadium. Gamer time is slated for 6 p.m.