Eagles WIN their AAC Season Opener at Bluefield

Bluefield, VA - Reinhardt Men's Soccer triumphed in a decisive soccer match against the Bluefield Rams in both teams' Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) season opener. The Eagles dominated the game, maintaining a consistent lead and showcasing strong defensive and offensive skills to secure a 3-0 victory.

The Eagles' offence was on full display in the first half, with the team scoring all three goals before halftime. John Simmons opened the scoring early in the game at the 5:13 mark, setting a strong pace for Reinhardt. This is Simmons' third goal of the season, which has him among the leaders in the AAC.

Evan DeYou followed with a second goal at 15:26, assisted by Luke McLaren, which further solidified their lead. The scoring concluded with Weyman Mabuya successfully executing a penalty kick at 43:58, leaving the score at 3-0 as the teams headed into halftime. The second half was scoreless, giving the Eagles their first win of the season.

In total, the Eagles fired off 21 shots on the Rams, with six being on target.

Defensively, the Eagles were impenetrable, with goalkeeper Andree Meza playing a crucial role in keeping a clean sheet throughout the match. His efforts were vital in thwarting any scoring attempts by the Rams, contributing to the Eagles' confidence and control on the field. Connor O'Brien, Christian Hogg, and Meza all help lead the strong defense for the Eagles, clocking in a full game and earning the shutout win.

Looking ahead, the Reinhardt University Eagles are set to face the #1-ranked Dalton State Roadrunners on Wednesday in Waleska. This upcoming match promises to be challenging as the Eagles aim to build on their current record of 1-1-1. The victory against Bluefield serves as a positive momentum booster as they prepare for what may be one of the tougher matches of the season.