JACKSON, Tenn. - The Union University men's soccer opened the 2019 season with a home win over Trevecca Nazarene University Thursday night at Smith Soccer Complex. The game was the season opener for both teams. 

Dating back to the end of the 2018 season, the Union Bulldogs have now won five straight matches. 

Union head coach Steven Cox said, "The guys were really excited to open up tonight, to play a game that really counts. We had three goals with nearly 20 shots, which was exciting to see."  Cox added when asked about the fast starts to both periods, "One thing that we talked about as a group is that we start well, be prepared, and ready to go. The guys demonstrated that tonight."

Union wasted no time in taking the early lead when David Hurtado scored in the 5th minute of play, assisted by William Valencia and Gavin Scott. Trevecca answered just five minutes later to tie the match on a goal by Tadg McEvoy, assisted by Juan Cernas. TNU took the lead in the 16th minute on a second goal from McEvoy on a rebound. Both TNU goals came at close range, the first off of a corner kick assist. 

TNU led 2-1 at the half. Union outshot the Trojans 9-6 in the first half. 

Union tied the match with another quick goal to start a period. Five minutes into play, Valencia scored on an assist from Maarten Brands. The game-winner came in the 62nd minute when Scott hit the back of the net, assisted by Mats Fredriksen. 

Union outshot TNU 19-8 in the game, including 8-4 in shots on goal. Casper Nyberg record two saves in net for Union, playing all 90 minutes. Will Thompson had five saves for TNU. 

The Saturday neutral site game versus Tampa in Pensacola, Fla. has been canceled. Up next for Union is a road match at Cumberland University in Lebanon, Tenn. September 13 at 3 p.m. 

-UNION-