MOUNT OLIVE (Aug. 25) – The University of Mount Olive men's soccer program secured a 2-0 victory over Catawba on Thursday night in its season-opener at Amon Field.

With the win, the Trojans begin the 2022 campaign at 1-0 under first-year head coach Ian Spooner, who was promoted to the position in late May. Meanwhile, the Indians drop to 0-1 on the season after being picked eighth in the preseason South Atlantic Conference (SAC) poll.

In the first half, UMO applied heavy pressure on the attacking side of the field and registered a shot on goal in the third minute of the game. The Trojans early consistent pace paid off after a cross into the box from sophomore Guilherme Semola deflected off a sliding defender into the back of the net, 1-0. Mount Olive remained on the attack before senior Ethan Willie open his scoring account for the year by finding the back of the goal at the 15:58-mark, 2-0. Catawba would answer back with three shots over a two-minute span, but the UMO defense kept their opponents scoreless. Both teams traded possession for the remainder of the half, as the Trojans took held a 2-0 advantage at the break.

The Indians quickly countered in the second half and cut into the deficit with a goal from sophomore Salano Birch to make it 2-1 in the 52nd minute. Just over four minutes later, Catawba earned a penalty kick before sophomore goalkeeper Axel Engren made a fantastic diving save to keep UMO in the lead. Both teams would play aggressively throughout the second half with eight yellow cards being shown. The Indians continued to push forward and totaled six more shots with Engren registering four saves following the penalty stop.

Engren recorded the season-opening win and finished the match with eight saves on 15 shots faced in 90 minutes of action.

Catawba out-shot Mount Olive by a 15-7 margin, including a 9-3 edge in shots on goal, while also posting a 9-4 advantage in corner kicks.

UMO returns to action on Sunday, Aug. 28, when it travels to face Newberry at 3 p.m.