CLINTON, Iowa - Ashford University sophomore Kori Phillips of Pittsburgh, Pa., said he's never received as many hugs as he did after Tuesday's game.

Each and every embrace was well deserved as the midfielder delivered a pair of shorthanded goals in the No. 29 Ashford University (10-0-2, 2-0-2 MCC) men's soccer team's 2-1 victory over archrival St. Ambrose University (2-11-1, 1-3-1 MCC) today.

Coming off his first goal and assist in Saturday's double-overtime overtime tie at Grand View University, the speedy sophomore burned the Fighting Bees' perimeter defense and came through in the clutch.

The still undefeated Saints are locked in a four-way tie for the lead in the Midway Collegiate Conference standings with Clarke College, Viterbo University and Grand View University. Earlier in the afternoon, Ashford garnered 55 votes in the newest NAIA Top-25 Coaches Poll, moving up to No. 29 nationally.

Swirling winds in excess of 40 mph and sub-40 degree frigid temperatures plagued the playing surface as both teams struggled with footing on a saturated, muddy grass field.

"We know it wasn't a pretty performance, but we didn't want to give up after we down one goal and playing with 10 men on the field," AU Head Coach Richard Markham said. "We got the win and we move on and I'm really proud of the effort this squad put forth today."

The Saints were down a goal at the midway point of the second half after SAU reserve Tony Villasenor broke through the AU defense. Ashford played with 10 men on the field for the final 23 minutes after junior forward Vedran Ilic of Rockford, Ill., was issued a red card at the 67:52 mark in the second half.

That's when Phillips answered the call, splitting the net from 18 yards out after a header by senior defender Damian Ryan of Davenport gave him a look at the goal. The header by Ryan resulted in his first career assist.

Ironically, Phillips second goal of the fall at the 77:47 mark also occurred when a strong gust of wind blew over the scoring tent, possibly an omen of what was to come.

"Coach (Markham) threw me in there and expected me to work twice as hard with a man down," Phillips said. "He wanted me to score and that was my goal coming into the game."

The momentum shifted towards Ashford's direction and the Saints had the wind at their back when senior Mike Lentini of Belvidere, Ill., threaded a cross to Phillips on a back post for the header and game winner.

"When it hit my head, I saw the half of the net open and I knew it was going in," Phillips said. "The wind played to our backs in the second half and gave us a lifting feeling, but the soggy field made it hard to get our footing and plant. But it's still great to get that conference we need."

The teams were scoreless at the half and junior goalkeeper Nick Roman of Belvidere, Ill., made a pair of acrobatic saves in the 36th minute to keep St. Ambrose off the scoreboard. He was fully extended on an initial shot by SAU's Simon Murphy and laid out again for the rebound attempt by Matt Kraciun.

Ten minutes later, freshman Geraldo Garza, blasted a shot that ricocheted off the crossbar, in a quest for his sixth goal of the year.

Ashford continues conference action on Saturday, playing host to Iowa Wesleyan College for a home matchup at 2 p.m.