BELMONT, N.C. -- Salano Birch netted the lone goal as the Catawba men's soccer team blanked host Belmont Abbey 1-0 on Saturday night at Alumni Field. The win lifts the Catawba Indians to 2-1 on the year, winning back-to-back games. The Crusaders drop to 1-3.

Birch tallied his winner with just under 19 minutes left in the opening half. Tom Savigar drove up the middle and passed off to Birch, who took a dribble to the right then ripped a shot from the top of the box just inside the near post. It marked the second goal of the year for the sophomore.

Catawba's defense made the first-half goal stand up. Belmont Abbey put five shots on target, but keeper Zak Stiffler saved each one. The Indians held a 13-8 edge in shots for the contest. Crusader keeper Will Whitman made four saves. 

The Catwaba men will next enjoy its home opener on Wednesday at the Frock Soccer Complex. It also marks the beginning of league play for the Indians against Emory & Henry at 7:30 p.m.