BILLINGS, Mont. - The Carroll Men's Soccer team got their 2025 Cascade Collegiate Conference season started on the right foot, picking up a hard-earned 1-0 road shutout over (RV) Rocky Mountain College at Wendy's Field.

"It was one of those games where you couldn't exhale." said Head Coach Austin Shick "Rocky are such an organized and tough team - they account for everything. We knew if would come down to who made fewer mistakes, and credit to our guys, they managed that well."

Friday's CCC opener was a great first test for the reigning league champion FIghting Saints (3-1-1), who managed to hand the Battlin' Bears (1-1-2) their first loss of the year in a physical match.

Shots were sparse, and goals were even harder to come by. 

The contest's lone goal came in the 22nd minute, as transfer Nils Benning (Kiel, Germany / JR) would score his second game-winning goal of the season off an assist from Sean Balen (Mukilteo, Wash. / JR).

For the next 68 minutes, the Saints managed to hold off any Rocky advances, thanks in large part to a four save performance from goalkeeper Juan Muniz Navarrete (Hermiston, Ore. / GR), and a great effort from the back line.

"Juan was big as he always is in goal, being decisive on set pieces, and making a huge point-blank save. Sean Balen is transforming before our eyes into a top midfieler - his decision making is unparalleled. What can I say about Nils, another game-winner - those are the big moments we need."

The Saints will look to keep momentum rolling next weekend as they take on Evergreen State on Friday and Northwest on Saturday in a pair of road games in Washington.

"This win is a big springboard for us. We need to recognize the opportunity it gives us to push forward and compete in the CCC. This group has more in them, and I'm eager to keep sharpening the edge."