TULSA –- Jordan Tatum scored on a free kick in the 39th minute as Oral Roberts University held on to defeat Western Illinois 1-0 in a thrilling league match-up on Friday afternoon at the ORU Soccer Complex.

In a game that had postseason implications for both teams, the Golden Eagles (7-10-0, 3-3-0) were able to get on the board first off a direct free kick after a Western Illinois (6-10-3, 2-3-1) foul. With the win, ORU clinches a spot in next weekend's league championship in Indianapolis, Ind.

Tatum blasted the ball in the back of the net past WIU goalkeeper Stephen Paterson from 25 yards out. The goal, which was Tatum's second of the year, came at the 38:44 mark after a Leathernecks foul.

The Leathernecks appeared to tie the match just five seconds left in the first-half but the apparent goal on a free kick by Martin Browne Jr. was called off because it was ruled an indirect kick instead of a direct kick. ORU rolled into halftime with a 1-0 lead and held an 11-8 edge in shots.

Western Illinois tried to rally in the second-half by out-shooting the Golden Eagles 12-5, but goalkeeper Andrew Techanchuk and the ORU defense held their ground. Techanchuk made three saves in the frame and six in the match.

The shutout by Techanchuk was his third of the season.

Jacob Schmoker had six shots, including three on-goal, to pace the offensive attack. Vince Tizzone had three shots while three other Golden Eagles recorded at least two shots.

--ORU--