In the second match of the season last year, the Washington University men’s soccer team conceded the game-winning goal with eight seconds left in a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Carthage College.

On Saturday afternoon, however, the Bears were on the opposite end of an equally dramatic contest, as sophomore forward Ryan Sproule scored in the 89th minute to give No. 24 Wash. U. a 1-0 road victory over Dominican University and its first 2-0 start since 2013.

“Probably two years ago, or even last year, some of those games wouldn’t go our way. Being able to stay focused and calm when we went on the attack was really huge,” senior defender Kevin Goon said.

For Bears head coach Joe Clarke, the victory demonstrated the team’s experience and composure down the stretch, as the Red and Green return 10 of 11 starters from last season.

“We had a mature performance that showed the experience and confidence [we] have built over the past few years. Our veterans, and their self belief, led the team,” Clarke said.

The Bears struggled to manufacture any type of offense in the first half, with junior forward Kevin Maedomari registering the only shot on goal in the 38th minute. However, the Red and Green’s defense stood its ground, preventing the Stars from mustering even a single shot on goal.

The second half was a similar story, until the final five minutes of the game. In that time span, the Bears generated consistent offensive pressure—two corner kicks and a shot—until Sproule buried a pass from graduate student Jack West into the far corner of the net. The goal was the first of the season for the sophomore, but the eighth of his career, following a strong freshman year.

Although Sproule delivered the game winner, it was arguably the Bears’ defense that stole the show. For the second game in a row, Wash. U. did not allow a shot on goal in front of senior goalkeeper Daniel Geanon.

“We played well as a team defensively. I don’t just think it’s the backline; I think it’s the whole team that’s been playing well,” Goon said. “Last year, some of the goals we let up we can point to either set-pieces or lapses in focus. One of the biggest things is just staying focused for 90 minutes in the game, instead of 75 or 85, because it just takes one minute to lose focus and get scored on.”

The Red and Green return to action on Friday night with a home game against No. 7 Wheaton College that could produce another dramatic victory—or defeat. The past three meetings have all been close games, with the Bears earning a 3-2 overtime victory last season.

“We always tell ourselves that results will come, but it’s about the process first. I think, obviously, it’s a game that we have circled on the calendar,” Goon said. “We will be psyched up for the home opener, especially because it’s against Wheaton.”