ST. LOUIS, Mo. – The Webster University men's soccer team captured the 2026 St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SLIAC) regular-season championship on Saturday afternoon, defeating Greenville University 2-0 at World Wide Technology Soccer Park. The victory improved the Gorloks to 7-2-4 overall and a perfect 7-0 in conference play, securing the program's first regular-season conference title since 2022.
After being picked third in the SLIAC preseason poll, Webster has put together a dominant conference campaign under Head Coach Nenad Curic, clinching the program's 11th regular-season conference championship with one match remaining on the schedule.
Alberto Duque Gonzalez delivered both goals in the championship-clinching victory, while goalkeeper Jakub Samelko recorded two saves to secure the shutout. The Gorloks outshot Greenville 20-11, including an 11-2 advantage in shots on goal, controlling much of the offensive action throughout the contest.
Webster began generating opportunities early in the first half, with Blake Cain forcing a save from Greenville goalkeeper Miguel Valcarce Gomez in the 10th minute. The Gorloks continued to pressure the Panthers' defense, with Duque Gonzalez and Juan Ignacio Martins Ferreira each generating scoring chances.
Greenville threatened in the 21st minute when Pedro Kamada placed a shot on target, but Samelko made the save to keep the match scoreless.
The Gorloks continued their offensive pressure, with Scott Price forcing a save in the 24th minute before Martins Ferreira added another shot on goal just four minutes later.
Webster finally broke through in the 36th minute when Duque Gonzalez found the back of the net at the 36:20 mark. Martins Ferreira provided the assist on the eventual game-winning goal, giving the Gorloks a 1-0 advantage.
Webster carried the one-goal lead into halftime after outshooting Greenville 8-4 in the opening 45 minutes.
The Gorloks came out aggressively in the second half, generating three shots in the opening six minutes. Mauro Bustamante recorded two attempts before Martins Ferreira put another opportunity on target, forcing a team save from Greenville.
Duque Gonzalez continued to challenge the Panthers' defense, forcing a save in the 55th minute. Price followed with another shot on goal in the 63rd minute as Webster searched for an insurance goal.
The Gorloks continued to control possession and generate opportunities throughout the second half, recording 12 shots after the break. Cain and Guilherme Corte each forced saves as Webster maintained its narrow advantage heading into the final 10 minutes.
With the conference championship within reach, Duque Gonzalez delivered once again.
In the 81st minute, Duque Gonzalez delivered once again. Following a Greenville foul just outside the penalty area, Duque Gonzalez converted the ensuing free kick for his second goal of the afternoon, extending Webster's lead to 2-0 and putting the finishing touches on the Gorloks' championship-clinching victory.
Greenville attempted to respond in the closing minutes, but Samelko turned away a shot from Sebastian Galanton in the 85th minute to preserve the shutout.
Duque Gonzalez led Webster with five shots, including three on goal, while Cain, Bustamante and Martins Ferreira each recorded three attempts. Samelko played all 90 minutes in goal, helping the Gorloks record their fourth consecutive shutout.
The victory marks another milestone for a Webster team that has navigated conference play without a loss, securing the regular-season championship before its final scheduled match.
The Gorloks will close out the regular season on Wednesday, October 28, when they travel to Fulton, Missouri, to take on Westminster College. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
