SEARCY, Ark. - The Union University men's soccer team opened the 2022 season with a 2-0 win at Harding University. It was the season opener for both squads. 

The two teams were scoreless for almost 76 minutes of play. In the 76th minute, Union Kenny Nitzsche scored on assists from Alexander Lapkalo and Ostian Bowen. Then in the 83rd minute, Union got a much-needed insurance goal. Bowen scored with assists coming from Stan De Vries and Nitzsche. 

Union head coach Steven Cox said, "The guys played very well tonight. It is a great way to start the season with a result, especially on the road against a good team. The guys worked incredibly well together and created a lot of chances to score."

Union dominated the shots, leading Harding 21-7 in the game and 9-3 in shots on goal. Union had double figure shots in both halves, 11 in the first and 10 in the second. Union led in corner kicks 9-3 and the teams each committed 14 fouls. 

De Vries led Union with seven shots, five on goal. Lapkolo and Noah Penner added three shots each. Botond Nemeth played all 90 minutes in goal, recording three saves. Union only played 13 total players in the match. 

Up next is a road game, August 28 back in Arkansas as the Bulldogs face Ouachita Baptist at 2:30 p.m. in Arkadelphia. 

-UNION-