AMHERST, Mass. - Massachusetts' Brett Canepa converted a penalty kick early in the second half, and the Minutemen held on for a 1-0 Atlantic 10 Conference men's soccer victory over the Saint Louis Billikens Sunday at Rudd Field.

The Billikens (2-7-1, 0-2 A-10) return to Hermann Stadium next weekend to host Duquesne (Oct. 16) and St. Bonaventure (Oct. 18).

SLU was whistled for a hand ball in the box at 49:27, giving UMass (3-9, 1-1 A-10) the PK attempt. Canepa fired to the right, and the ball caromed off the goal post and into the net for the eventual game winner.

Freshman Kingsley Bryce had the Billikens' best chance at an equalizer later in the half. In the 65th minute, he drew the UMass keeper off the line, but his shot from the top of the box sailed just wide.

SLU nearly opened the scoring in the first half on a Michael Robson header off a corner kick, but the chance was cleared off the line.

Both teams managed 12 shots on the afternoon, and SLU held a 7-6 advantage in corner kicks. Sophomore Nick Shackelford made four saves for the Billikens.

SLU hosts Duquesne Friday, Oct. 16, at 7 p.m., then welcomes St. Bonaventure Sunday, Oct. 18, for a 2 p.m. kick.