MONMOUTH, Ill. – Cornell's surging men's soccer team pulled out another tight victory Saturday, going on the road and edging Monmouth, 2-1, in the Midwest Conference opener at Peacock Memorial Athletic Park.
 
Cornell (1-0 MWC) climbed to 6-2 overall during its impressive start to the season. Five of the Rams' six wins have been decided by a single goal.
 
Despite controlling the match with a decisive 18-5 advantage in shots, the Rams squeaked this one out with help from their opponent. Cornell broke a 1-1 tie in the 77th minute on a corner kick by George Archer that was knocked into the net by a Monmouth defender.
 
Freshman goalkeeper Will Bickel, who collected four saves, and Cornell's defense made the lead stand down the stretch. The unit has surrendered just four goals over the past seven matches.
 
The Rams gained an early 1-0 lead at the 26-minute mark on an unassisted goal from Zach Miller, his third of the season.
 
Monmouth (0-5-2 overall, 0-1 MWC) answered in the 46th minute, tying the score at 1-1.  
 
Miller attempted a team-high six shots for the Rams, two on goal. Gaurab Khadka and Mardoche Ntonku added three attempts apiece.
 
The Rams travel to play rival Coe at 7:30 p.m. in Cedar Rapids. Cornell claimed a 1-0 home win over the Kohawks on Sept. 6.