NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- With less than 20 ticks left on the first-half clock, the Christopher Newport men's soccer team got a go-ahead goal from senior midfielder Brendan Todd with an electric finish in front of the net. That tally would stand as the game-winning goal as the Captains (4-1-0) handed No. 23 Covenant College their first loss of the season, 1-0.

Todd's first goal of the year came off the second assist on a long throw from Matt Liss. The rookie spun a beautiful heave into the box from the left sideline and after it soared over the first line, it bounced in the box over the last defender and right to the foot of Todd on the back post. The senior wasted no time settling the ball and blistering a hard line drive into the center of the goal with just 19 seconds remaining.

With a 1-0 lead headed into the halftime break, the Captains had developed better chances through the first 45 minutes. That trend continued into the second half where CNU pressured the Scots defense throughout the game, forcing the Covenant defense into guarding against 10 corner kicks. The Captains only allowed one corner kick attempt in the game.

While the Captains offense looked to add to it's lead the back line held strong despite a host of changes needed due to injuries and rest. Ryan Kiely and Kyle Stenzel played the full 90 minutes on the inside while Jacob Dudley, Jonathon Leiding and Jonah Fitz rotated on the outside to help secure the clean sheet.

Ethan Larson locked up his second career shutout by making three saves in goal for the Captains while also making several judgment calls away from the net to stymie Covenant chances over the CNU back line.

The Captains nearly doubled their lead in the 74th minute when senior Gabe Splett smashed a hard shot from inside the box that the Covenant keeper needed to make a diving save to stop. The attempt was built off beautiful passing around the box from Elton Quintanilla and Ryan Machado-Jones.

CNU will look to continue it's strong start to the season on Sunday, September 18 as they host No. 25 UT Dallas at 1:00 p.m. Live stats and a live video webcast will be available at CNUsports.com