A world-class shot from a set piece proved to be the difference as No. 10 Lindenwood University came into Baldwin City Wednesday and beat the Baker University men’s soccer team 1-0, senior captain Scott Appell said.

“It seems to be the same thing each game for us – if one or two bounces could go our way, the final score would be a little different,” Appell said. “We just need to start finding the net.”

In the 75th minute of the game, Lindenwood was awarded a free kick from just outside the 18-yard box following a Baker foul.

“The Lindenwood player made a world-class shot and there was nothing (senior goalkeeper) Bret Clark could do,” Appell said. “It was a fantastic shot.”

Wildcats head coach Alan Koch agreed with his captain.

“There was nothing we could do about the free kick,” Koch said. “The Lindenwood player made a terrific shot.”

Clark said his team stepped up and played well against the top-ranked conference foe.

“We played really well,” Clark said. “We held possession the majority of the game and had better chances than Lindenwood; we just couldn’t finish.”

Clark also said the return of Appell from an injury helped the defense.

“Scott played great in his first game back,” Clark said. “We had a lot of guys step up and contribute in this game.”

Koch said the play of his goalkeeper and defenders was outstanding against Lindenwood.

“Bret played very, very well along with our back four,” Koch said. “(Junior) Ryan McAloon, (sophomore) Owen Barnhart, Scott Appell and (junior) Jaron Downing played extremely well.”

Baker had scoring chances but was not able to capitalize, Koch said.

“(Senior forward) Josh Marchbank caused problems for Lindenwood all day,” Koch said.

Koch said he was pleased with the play of his team against yet another top 25 team.

“Seven of our eight games have been against teams in the top 25,” Koch said. “In these games, we have battled hard and our guys have a lot to be proud of. We just have to carry this effort on throughout the season.”

Appell said the team is on track to a good season end.

“We are right where we want to be; we just need to start winning games,” Appell said.

From the start, the game was extremely physical. In all, the referee issued six yellow cards. Lindenwood received five, while Baker was awarded one. The loss snaps Baker’s three-game winning streak.

The team will be on the road against Hannibal- LaGrange College on Saturday in Hannibal, Mo.