WILLMAR -- The Willmar defense stood tall again allowing the Cardinals to tip Fergus Falls 1-0 on Thursday in Central Lakes Conference boys soccer.
It was the second shutout in the last three games for goalie Steve Kluver and his mates.
Abdi Abdinasar got the game's only goal in the ninth minute of the second half.
"Our defense was outstanding," said Willmar coach Richard Courtney. "The fact they had only 11 shots also reflects our strong play at midfield."
Kluver, who blanked Brainerd 1-0 on Saturday, again was steady but the Otters really had only one or two real chances.
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Courtney said stopper Zach Burton, sweeper Josh Wright and left and right defensemen Jordan Benson and Carl Fixsen deserve special credit.
Badal Ali set up the winning goal. He took a pass near midfield and then fed Abdinasir, whose touch shot cleared the goalie's raised arms to reach the upper right-hand corner.
Willmar, Fergus and St. Cloud Apollo are in a 3-way fight for first. Willmar is at home noon Saturday for senior/parents day against Sartell.
Willmar 1, Fergus Falls 0
Fergus Falls (6-2-1, 9-3-1) 0 0 -- 0
Willmar (7-2-2, 9-2-2) 0 1 -- 1
FIRST HALF - no scoring
SECOND HALF - Wil: Abdi Abdinasar (Badal Ali) 48:13
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Shots - Fergus Falls: 11 ... Willmar: 21
Goalie saves - Fergus Falls: Bryce Barsness 11 ... Willmar: Steve Kluver 6
