LEBANON, Tenn. – The Union University men's soccer team opened the 2013 season with a 3-1 win at Cumberland University. Union begins play in the final year (provisional) of the NCAA DII membership process. Union is working to become full DII and Gulf South Conference members next season.
 
Union scored first in the match with an unassisted goal in the 29^th minute from Diego Santos. Union held the 1-0 lead at the half. Matt Kesler recorded the first 45 minutes of play in goal, allowing no goals with two saves.
 
In the second half, Union added to the lead with a goal from Caleb Mills, assisted by Santos in the 68^th minute. Just five minutes later, Cumberland got on the board with a goal from Harry Mason, assisted by Luke Wilson.
 
With Union leading 2-1, Taylor Mayo scored an insurance goal with nine minutes to play in the match, setting the final at 3-1. Alex Pratt recorded the assist on Mayo's header. Taylor Smith spent the second half in goal for Union, recording three saves and allowing the one goal.
 
Union outshot Cumberland by the slim margin of 13-12. There were 27 fouls in the match, 18 against Union. Cumberland received five yellow cards and a red, while Union received four yellow cards.
 
Santos led Union with six shots in the match.
 
Up next for Union will be another road contest Saturday at Trevecca Nazarene in Nashville at 7:00 p.m.
 
#UNION#