GREENVILLE, Ill. - The men's soccer team defeated Spalding on Thursday night at Francis Field, taking a 2-0 victory in a match that was an early contest between two teams favored to finish at the top of the conference.

In the SLIAC preseason poll, Greenville earned the No. 3 position, just behind Spalding's No. 2 prediction.

The Panthers took the lead in the 33rd minute when Pablo Valverde notched a goal assisted by Napoleon Urquidi.

The match remained scoreless until deep in the second half when Jared McPeek added a goal in the 85th minute. Valverde gained the assist.

Greenville was outshot 19-13 in the match, but GU had the most shots on target with a 7-6 advantage.

Goalkeeper Pedro Vebber stopped six shots for his first shutout of the season.

With a goal and assist, Valverde collected three points.

The Panthers (3-3, 1-0 SLIAC) travel to Westminster on Saturday for a match against the Blue Jays.