Harrogate, Tenn. – The home opener could not have gone much better for the Lincoln Memorial men's soccer program as they beat West Alabama University 3-2 on Sunday afternoon. The victory moves LMU to 1-1 on the young season as they head into the heart of their nonconference schedule.
 
"I'm proud of the guys again today, we showed tremendous growth from just a few days ago and were able to jump in front again," head coach Robert Spain remarked. "Today we were able to create a two-goal lead twice, so I think we are starting to figure out how good we can actually be."
 
The Railsplitters took the lead early and never relinquished control. They took the lead in the 12^th minute of the game as Arkin Ulusoy put one past the West Alabama goalkeeper. Ulusoy got help from teammates Sonnie Mathis and Shanden Vergara, as both assisted on the play. Vergara then scored one himself in the 12^th minute, as he took on the Tigers defense, and put one in the back of the net. The Railsplitters defense held strong in the first half, stopping 9 WAU shots, and they went into halftime holding that 2-0 lead.
 
West Alabama got a goal early in the second half to cut the lead to one, but the Railsplitters answered right back in the 61^st minute, as Hunter Stroble ripped one into the net to put LMU back up by two. WAU was able to cut the lead back down to one in the 70^th minute, but that is as close as they would get.
 
"We still have a lot to work on, but it's nice to get three points under our belt, especially against a very competitive West Alabama team," commented Spain. "Our guys knew they would challenge use and they certainly did."
 
Lincoln Memorial goalkeeper Robin Hermann was strong in the net, saving three shots, and leading the Railsplitter defensive unit. The Tigers attempted three shots in the final minutes of the match trying to get back in the game, but the defensive line for LMU held strong and West Alabama was turned away.
 
"We learned a lot of lessons from today and will keep moving forward, buts it's nice to learn lessons and win at the same time," said Spain. "That's where we need to be early in the season, so all in all we are happy about today as a whole."
 
The Railsplitters travel to Georgia on Wednesday, September 8th to take on Young Harris, and are back home on September 11^th, as they welcome Union to Harrogate.
 
 
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