BELMONT, N.C. — Greer Hopkins made the most of his first varsity appearance of the season, scoring a goal and adding an assist as the Belmont Abbey men's soccer team defeated Shorter 4-0 on Homecoming Saturday afternoon at Alumni Field.

Hopkins scored in his first minute of action and followed that up with an assist to Adam Cooil in the 74th minute to solidify the victory. Sam Jordan and Christian Saguilan also tallied goals for the Abbey as part of a season-best four-goal effort.

With the victory, Belmont Abbey improves to 3-4-2 overall and 2-3-1 in Conference Carolinas play, snapping a three-match losing streak.

Shorter is now 2-7 overall, 1-6 in league play.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Despite a scoreless first half, Belmont Abbey came out aggressively against the Hawks with 10 shots in the first 45 minutes.
• Mikey Reid led the Abbey with four shots on the day and two on target.
• Emrick Stanley made his first career start in Saturday's contest.
• Will Whitman made four saves in his time on the pitch as he and Trent McConnaughey combined for the shutout.
• Hopkins broke the deadlock with his goal less than a minute into the second half off an assist from Alexander Ljusberg.
• The Crusaders added to the lead thanks to Sam Jordan's goal from the penalty spot after drawing a foul in the box in the 69th minute.
• Cooil's goal was his first as a Crusader as he headed the ball in off a Hopkins cross.
• Saguilan capped the scoring after intercepting a pass in the defensive end in the 87th minute.
• Belmont Abbey took 21 shots for the second straight match, 10 on target.
• In addition to Hopkins, Mikaele Blakely and Emeka Ekwo made their first appearances of the season in Saturday's contest.

HOMECOMING HONOREES

• Endre Hetland was honored as part of the 2024 Homecoming Court prior to the match on Saturday.

UP NEXT

• The Crusaders continue Conference Carolinas play with a contest against Lees-McRae at 7 p.m. Saturday at Alumni Field.