ANDERSON, S.C.--The Trojan men's soccer team hosted the Emmanuel Lions (0-2) on Sunday evening for the programs' first-ever meeting and Anderson's (2-0) 2025 home opener. For the second-straight game, AU boasted an impressive four-goal tally and 4-1 victory.
"Really happy with the team and how they performed tonight," said Head Men's Soccer Coach Michael Zion. "We were really dangerous in front of the goal for the second game in a row, and that's a great sign."
Anderson's offensive threat started with the opening whistle, and the Trojans took an early lead after just five minutes of play. The home team were rewarded their first of six corner kicks on the night, and a service from Julian Caro (Medellin, Colombia) connected with the head of Marc Vila (Vilassar de Mar, Spain) for an Anderson goal.
Not two minutes later, a Lion foul in the box resulted in Juan Pablo Lepervanche (Caracas, Venezuela) burying one from the spot to double the Trojan lead.
AU's third goal came in minute 25, when Jonas Zethofer (Vienna, Austria) blasted an unassisted shot into the upper left corner of the net.
To close out the half, the Trojans capitalized on another corner kick, this time off the foot of Leone Corzani (Forli, Italy). Juan Jose Alvarez (Santiago, Chile) and Charles Bolduc (Quebec, Canada) were both awarded an assist on the goal.
The scoring marks the first goals of the season for Vila and Lepervanche, the second for both Zethofer and Corzani.
Down 0-4 going into the second half, Emmanuel looked to begin a comeback as they claimed one of their own at 54', but the lone goal would be the only score by the Lions. Anderson won the contest 4-1.
The Black and Gold outshot Emmanuel 12 to eight on the night, tallying seven SOG to the Lion's one. Emmanuel recorded three saves in the match.
"We have a long way to go, but it's been a great start to the season and great to open up at home with a win," added Zion.
Anderson travels to Montevallo this Wednesday (Sept. 10), before returning to Spero Financial Field next Sunday (Sept. 14) for the South Atlantic Conference opener against Emory & Henry.
