The Misericordia University men's soccer team clinched a Freedom Conference playoff berth with a 1-0 win at Eastern, Wednesday.

Joe Scanlon scored the game's only goal early in the first half and the Cougars defense did the rest as they improved to 9-4-3 overall and 4-1-1 in the Freedom.

Bryan Kulbacki thwarted an Eastern breakaway late in the first half and Tyler Anderson made several key defensive plays in the second period. 

Scanlon's free kick in the 16th minute cleared the wall and squibbed by the Eastern goalkeeper to give MU the lead.

Kulbacki stopped Eastern's breakaway late in the period and the Eagles headed the ensuing corner kick wide.

Anderson stuffed two shots early in the second period and controlled the back throughout the final 45 minutes.

Eastern's best scoring chance came in the 71st minute when a shot hit the post.

Andrew Loyd earned the shutout in goal.  He made a save on a direct kick in the 74th minute and came off his line to snare another with just 30 seconds remaining.

MU will conclude the regular season at King's, Saturday at 7:00.