The Saint Leo men’s soccer team (1-0) kicked-off its 2010 campaign in impressive fashion, upending the No. 20-ranked Carson Newman Eagles, 5-1, in non-conference action from the Ken Sparks Athletic Complex.
The Lions struck early against their regional opponent as Glenn brought in a crossing pass from Herrera and slotted it into the back of the net less than three minutes into the match. The assist was Herrera’s first point as a Lion.
The Eagles used their home surface advantage over the next 18 minutes to stifle the Lions, but Saint Leo withstood the initial pressure and countered with a goal by Herrera in the 21st minute. Economides, who broke free on the play, fired a rocket on net which the keeper’ deflected directly back to the foot of a pushing Herrera who slid it in to an open goal.
The Lions turned the defensive pressure up for the remainder of the half, going into the halftime break up 2-0 and allowing just two first half shots.
Out of intermission, Gendreau put an impressive stamp on his Lions’ debut scoring his first career goal and extending the Lions’ lead to 3-0. The 70th minute tally came off a brilliant pass from fellow freshman Herrera.
Seconds later, Cutler found Glenn in stride. The senior scorched the defense and found himself going one on one with the goalie. The ‘keeper could not stop the Lions’ forward, however, as he notched his second goal of the match with a rocket over his outstretched arms.
Saint Leo put the finishing touches on the 5-1 win when Cutler found the head of Gendreau off a corner in the 78th minute.
In net, Jake Hirst (1-0) was solid in his debut, notching one big save per half en route to a three-save night. He faced a total of 11 shots, including nine Eagles’ attempts in the second half. Only adeflected effort beat the Lions' 'keeper on the night.
The Lions have won three consecutive season openers and are 4-0-1 since the 2006 season.
Saint Leo will conclude its two-game Tennessee swing in Chattanooga on Friday, September 3 when the Lions take on Tennessee Temple University. Kick-off is set for 3:00 p.m.