WILLMAR -- The Willmar Cardinals ended a three-match skid on Tuesday, beating Sartell 1-0 in a Central Lakes Conference boys soccer match at Kennedy Field.
Badal Ali scored the game winner in the 26th minute on a penalty kick, after a hand touch by a Sartell defender.
It was Willmar's first shutout in nine games. Goalie Steve Kluver stopped seven Sabre shots.
The Cardinals had the better of the ball control, outshooting the Sabres 10-7 on goal.
Willmar's three CLC losses are to the league's top three teams.
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The Cardinals got important contributions from its bench.
Midfielder Landon Peterson played a strong match at defensively.
The Cardinals play section rival Central Minnesota Christian 4:30 p.m. Thursday in Prinsburg and are at Sartell to play the Sabres again on Monday.
Willmar 1, Sartell 0
Sartell (1-4-1, 2-4-1)) 0 0 -- 0
Willmar (4-3, 5-4) 1 0 -- 1
FIRST HALF - Wil: Badal Ali (penalty kick) 26:16
SECOND HALF - no scoring
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Shots on goal - Sartell: 7 ... Willmar: 10
Goalie saves - Sartell: Andrew Worzala 9 ... Willmar: Steve Kluver 7
