JACKSON, Tenn. - The Union University men's soccer team posted a 5-0 victory over Freed-Hardeman University Thursday night at Smith Soccer Complex. Union improved to 2-9-3 on the season, while Freed-Hardeman dropped to 4-11 overall.
The two teams were former conference rivals in the NAIA before Union moved to NCAA DII in 2012. Union defeated FHU 2-1 in an exhibition match earlier this season.
The Bulldogs honored four seniors prior to the match including Andre Silva, Zach Boothe, Casper Nyberg and John Crawford.
Union wasted no time in getting on the board. Freshman Gavin Scott scored his first of two goals in the match in the eighth minute of play, assisted by Felipe Firmino. In the 25th minute, David Hurtado put Union up 2-0 with his first goal of the season, assisted by Cole Asfour. Then just nine minutes later, Asfour gave Union a 3-0 lead, assisted by Scott.
Union led 3-0 at the half, with both teams managing eight shots in the first 45 minutes of play.
It was more of the same in the second half. In the 61st minute, Scott added his fifth goal of the season on Asfour's second assist of the match. Then in the 87th minute, Union's final goal was from Firmino, assisted by AJ Morgado.
This was Union's second shutout of the season and first of the year for Nyberg. Union's other shutout was a 1-0 GSC win at Alabama Huntsville. The five goals for Union was a season high and most since two goals in 3-2 loss at Spring Hill September 16. Union snapped a streak of scoring just one goal in seven straight matches.
Union out shot FHU 23-10 in the game, including 15-2 in the second half. Union led 10-6 in shots on goal. Union's Nyberg had six saves, while FHU split goalies and recorded five saves. Union led 10-2 in corner kicks, while FHU committed eight fouls to three for Union.
Nine different players for Union recorded shots in the match, led by James Jackson with six and Scott with five.
This marked the final home match of the regular season for Union. The Bulldogs hit the road for the final three regular season games. Union plays a second straight non-conference match, October 21 at Ouachita Baptist. Union then closes the regular season with a pair of GSC matches, at AUM October 25 and at Montevallo October 27.
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