Richmond, Ind. - The Manchester men's soccer team opened Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) play on a strong note Saturday, grinding out a 1–0 shutout over Earlham.

Manchester generated more attacking moments in the opening 45 minutes, outshooting the Quakers 4–1. Alan Galvez was active up front, taking multiple early looks, including a strike in the 5th minute that went wide and another just before halftime that carried left. The Spartans also saw freshman defender Cole Spagna test Earlham's goalkeeper with a low shot in the 22nd minute, but it was turned away. Despite chances, the teams went into the break scoreless. 

Manchester's persistence finally paid off midway through the second half. In the 67th minute, freshman forward Grant Gerber found the back of the net, scoring his first goal of the season and providing what proved to be the game-winner.

The Spartans pushed the tempo with seven second-half shots, including strong efforts from Edwin Rodriguez, Marcel Cuahuizo Gutierrez, and Aiden Bryant, keeping Earlham under pressure. At the other end, goalkeeper Will Martin anchored a stingy Manchester defense. Martin made three saves—two in the second half—including a crucial stop on Rhoi Phulusa in the 83rd minute to preserve the lead. The backline, led by Spagna, Nick Merrion, and Garrett Hollis, kept Earlham limited to nine total shots, with just three on goal. 

The Spartans will look to build on the momentum as they welcome the Pioneers of Transylvania to Good Field next Saturday, 3:30 PM start.