MOUNT OLIVE, N.C. - Scoring six goals in its season opener on Thursday, the Anderson University men's soccer team conducted another offensive outburst, scoring five and capturing its second victory of the season in a 5-1 win over Mount Olive Sunday afternoon at Amon Field.
The Trojans, who move to 2-0 on the young season, have now outscored their opponents 11-3 in their first two matches of the year. Comparing the goal total from last season, AU did not tally its 11th goal of the year until Sept. 26 against North Georgia. The impressive start to the season is Anderson's best start since the 2009 year when the Trojans began their schedule with a 6-0 mark.
"This time of year it's difficult to get connections correct and personnel sorted out, especially with a new team," head coach John Murphy said. "We have to tighten up a bit defensively, but it's a good sign to have these players adapt to the changes."
AU's goal scoring was spread throughout the lineup, as the Trojans recorded five goals from five different players. Juniors Martin Brain, Mattias Schyberg and sophomore Mark Allen each tallied a goal, while freshmen Paul von Hinueber and Aaron Roberson, who came off the bench, carded a goal apiece. Schyberg, Carle and von Hinueber, along with newcomer Bernd Muxel all recorded assists for the afternoon.
Brain got the Trojans on the scoreboard first in the 23rd minute when he struck a 15-yard shot passed Mount Olive (0-2) goalkeeper Aleksandar Drobac. For Brain, the goal was his first of the season. Anderson lead quickly relinquished in the 20th minute as MOC's Hyago Matielo fired a free kick past AU goalkeeper Devon Ashy, who made his first appearance of the season.
Not a minute later, Allen tallied AU's second goal of the game when he received a cross from Schyberg. His 15-yard blast gave Anderson the lead that it would never give up for the rest of the match. For Allen, the goal was the first of his collegiate career.
AU took a 3-1 lead into halftime when von Hinueber notched his second goal of the season. The freshman scored off a deflection, as fellow newcomer, Muxel, was credited with the assist.
Anderson got its final two goals from Schyberg in the 62nd minute and Roberson in the 71st to propel the Trojans to their second win of the season. Ashy picked up his first victory of his young career, making one save on the afternoon. As a team, the Trojans outshot Mount Olive 25-3, including 14 shots on goal.
After going 2-0 on this road stretch, AU finally returns to the Upstate for its first home match of the season as the Trojans host Young Harris on Sept. 11. Kickoff from Trojan Stadium is set for 4 p.m.
