WEST DES MOINES, Iowa – Leroy Enzugusi's free kick strike in the 57^th minute gave the Drake University men's soccer team a 1-0 win over Kansas City on Saturday night at Tiger Field.
 
Enzugusi flew past the defense before being taken down to earn a free kick from just outside the 18-yard box. The junior forward then capitalized on the opportunity he created with a curling shot that hooked just inside the right post for his second goal of 2019.
 
"This was another very strong collective team performance tonight backed up with a deserved result," said Drake head coach Gareth Smith.
 
The Bulldogs dictated the game from the opening kick, controlling 59 percent of the possession and outshooting the Roos 5-1 in the first half. Drake spent 27 percent of the first half inside the Kansas City's defensive box, whereas Kansas City spent just five percent of the opening 45 minutes in Drake's final third.
 
"Again we were very good in the attack phase, dominating possession and chances created," Smith said. "We built the attack from back to middle very well and also created good, clear chances, which is a positive sign. Our next level is to turn those chances into more goals."
 
Despite the lopsided statistics, the game was knotted at zero at half.
 
That changed on Enzugusi's free kick, which put an exclamation point on a career night. Enzugusi unleashed eight shots and four shots on goal, both of which are new personal bests.
 
"I'm delighted for Leroy as that was a brilliant free kick," Smith said. "A special moment to decide the game."
 
Drake's defense limited the Roos to just four shots, and goalkeeper Luke Anderson notched two saves en route to the Bulldogs' first shutout of the year.
 
"From a defending perspective, it was pleasing to maintain a clean sheet," Smith said. "That's something we have been stressing with the team. We showed progress in our ability to maintain a high level of concentration and positional discipline, and that resulted in limiting Kansas City to few chances in the final third."
 
The Bulldogs (2-3-0) travel to Macomb, Ill. on Tuesday to take on the Western Illinois Leathernecks.
 
"We made lots of very good progress from an individual and team performance perspective," Smith said. "We have a great platform to build on going into our next game."