WILSON, N.C. -- The Catawba College men's soccer team used two first half goals and six saves by goalkeeper Zak Stiffler to earn their first win of the season on Wednesday night. Catawba took down the Barton Bulldogs by a final score of 2-1. 

The first ten minutes of Wednesday night's non-conference action started off quietly, but in the 13th minute Catawba had their first scoring chance. Tom Savigar had a shot blocked which led to a corner kick by Joe Allerton. Allerton's corner found Nate Burns who had his header shot just miss off the post. 

Catawba's pressure paid off when a foul was called in the 15th minute inside Barton's goalie box. Savigar stepped up and buried the goal to give his team the 1-0 lead. 

Ten minutes later, the Catawba Indians was given a free kick, and Joe Allerton stepped up and delivered the ball into the box. Freshman Sebastia Cerda-Tous was on the other end to put Catawba ahead two goals to none. 

That score stood up until halftime, but Barton turned up the intensity in the second half. The Bulldogs put a header shot on goal in the 49th minute, then in the 54th minute, Catawba's defense was in the right place at the right time after making a team save on a dangerous ball in the box. 

The home team finally got on the board shortly after when a penalty kick was given, and Barton converted to make it 2-1 with 35 minutes to play. 

Down the stretch, sophomore goalie Zak Stiffler made three key saves to keep Catawba in front. Barton had one last look in the final twenty seconds, but the shot attempt missed high to seal the first victory of the season. 

Men's soccer will look to get another win on Saturday night when the team travels to Belmont Abbey for a 7:00 p.m. kickoff.