The No. 14 Baker University men’s soccer team is in a three-way tie for second place in the Heart of America Athletic Conference after defeating Avila University.

The 2-1 win over the Eagles on Saturday at Liston Stadium improved the Wildcats’ record to 9-5-2 overall and 3-1-1 in HAAC play.

The ‘Cats are tied in the HAAC with MidAmerica Nazarene University and Graceland University, teams they have lost to and defeated, respectively.

Baker took the lead in the first half of the game against Avila when senior Richard Klein made his third goal of the season. Sophomore Amer Didic recorded the assist on the play.

Avila was able to tie things up in the 56th minute of play, but sophomore Robert Hoeven scored a goal to put the game away just before regulation ended after an assist from senior Andy Griffin.

Baker outshot Avila 14-5 during the game. Hoeven and senior Cameron Zimmerman were the shot leaders, each with three attempts during the game.

Senior Matt Bickley recorded just one save on the night to increase his total saves to 53 on the season. The goalkeeper has only allowed 16 goals this season, good for a 76.8 percent save average.

The ‘Cats have just two HAAC games left to play in the regular season. Baker will take on No. 8 Missouri Valley College at 8:30 p.m. Tuesday in Marshall, Mo.