SAN ANTONIO – Halfway through their inaugural season as a transitional member program of the NCAA's Division III and Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference, the Celts of the University of St. Thomas claimed a statement victory Friday with a 1-0 win at perennial conference power Trinity.

Luis Bencomo (JR/Barquisimeto, Venezuela)'s strike in the 89th minute from just outside the penalty area following a UST corner kick was the match's lone tally as the Celts (6-5) improved to 2-1 in SCAC play.

Pedro Medrano (SO/San Salvador, El Salvador) made six saves in goal for the Celts, who will go for their third consecutive win Sunday when they visit Schreiner.

"What a big win for our team," St. Thomas head coach Ian Clerihew said after the match. "This is evidence to our guys that everyone pulling in the same direction can lead to big results."

The match-winning goal stunned the Tigers, who had controlled the pace of play for the duration of the match. Trinity (5-3-2, 1-1 SCAC) outshot St. Thomas 17-6, and held a 6-2 advantage in shots on goal.

The Tigers, who have received votes in the United Soccer Coaches' Division III poll, were predicted to win the SCAC in 2019. Trinity has qualified for the NCAA Division III men's soccer tournament for 17 consecutive seasons.

With the win, the Celts became the first SCAC team to win at Trinity since the 2017 season, when UDallas edged the Tigers 3-2 in overtime. The last time Trinity lost a home match in regulation to a SCAC opponent was Sept. 10, 2013, when the Tigers fell to Southwestern (Texas) 1-0.

The Celts return to action Sunday when they head to Kerrville to face Schreiner. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m.