(Lebanon, Ill., August 31) – Freshman midfielder forward Blessing Tupiri (Harare, Zimbabwe) scored two goals in the second half Tuesday night to lead McKendree to a 4-0 win over visiting Central Methodist University.

McKendree, ranked No. 21 in the NAIA, improved to 2-1 overall and will travel to play Quincy University on September 3rd at 7:30 p.m.

Senior forward Max Stainmez (Holland, Ontario, Canada) scored unassisted in the eighth minute to give the Bearcats an early 1-0 lead and their only goal of the first half. Junior defender Mitch Fear (Southampton, England) gave McKendree some cushion with a header goal on a pass from freshman midfielder Perry Hughes (Liverpool, England) in the 66th minute and Tupiri scored goals in the 80th and 84th minute to seal the win for the Bearcats. Tupiri's first goal was assisted by junior defender Pat Jones (St. Louis, Mo./Mehlville) and his second goal was unassisted.

Sophomore goalkeeper Tim Day (Edwardsville, Ill./Edwardsville) played all 90 minutes and had three saves, while improving to 1-1 overall with the shutout win.