ANDERSON, S.C. - Three first-half goals proved to be all Anderson University men's soccer needed, as it opened South Atlantic Conference play with a 3-0 shutout over in-state rival Coker, Wednesday afternoon at Trojan Stadium.

With the blanking, the Trojans moved to 2-1-1 on the season, while the Cobras, who also began SAC play on Wednesday, continue to seek their first win for the year, falling to 0-3-1 overall.

Newcomers Nicholas Bang, Lars Kaula and Erik Dahlbeck recorded first-half goals to hand the Trojans their first conference victory of the season. For the match, Bang drew even with senior forward Andre Carle in shots with four apiece, while Dahlbeck and Kaula followed with three apiece. As a team, Anderson totaled 17 shots, compared to Coker's six.

Goalkeeper Devon Ashy notched his second win on the year between the posts, grabbing just one save. The clean sheet was Ashy's second of the season, marking a new career high.

The Trojans opened their scoring quickly, as defender Nick Bryant found Bang on the edge of the Coker box. Bryant's quick pass bounced to the feet of Bang and his 18-yard shot flew past Cobra goalkeeper Kyndle Cobb into the top-right corner for the match's first goal. On the goal, Bryant and Bang both recorded their first collegiate points.

Anderson increased its lead in the 17th minute when Kaula notched his second goal of the season when he scored from the penalty spot following a Coker foul inside its own box. Kaula chose the left side and recorded his second goal from the spot this season.

In the 30th minute of play, Dahlbeck put the match out of reach when he trickled a shot off the right post and into the net to close Anderson's scoring. For Dahlbeck, the goal was his first in a Black and Gold uniform, while teammates Austin Billiot and Brad Du Plooy were credited with the assists on the goal.

With the 3-0 lead at the break, the Trojan backline preserved the shutout in the final 45 minutes, allowing just five second-half shots. The clean sheet was Anderson's second against Coker in as many years.

The Trojans look to continue their winning ways on Saturday when they head to conference foe, Wingate. Kick-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.