SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The 18
th ranked Drury Panthers started their season with a 3-0 win at home over Northeastern State on Thursday at Harrison Stadium / Curry Sports Complex. The game was the season opener for both teams.
Ben Bruce scored two goals in the game. He gave Drury a 2-0 lead after he found the net from 15 yards out in the 50th minute. The senior from Scotland then converted a penalty kick six minutes later to give the Panthers a 3-0 advantage.
Drury got on the board in the first half on
Dean McConnell's goal in the 14
th minute on an assist from
Pierre Villez.
Goalkeeper
Nic Helin stopped each of the RiverHawks three shots on goal and made a diving save midway through the second half on his way to his ninth career shutout.
The Panthers had a 14-8 advantage in shots and had seven shots on goal to Northeastern State's three.
The win gave Drury head coach
Ben Taylor a victory in his debut for the Panthers. Taylor, who played for Drury from 2007-10, took over the men's soccer program in February after coaching six seasons at Iowa Central Community College.
Drury returns to action on Sunday with a home game against Northwood (Mich.). Game time is 7:30 p.m. at Harrison Stadium / Curry Sports Complex.
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