BELMONT, N.C. — An early Sam Reynolds goal proved to be the difference as the Belmont Abbey men's soccer team earned a 1-0 win over Southern Wesleyan in the Conference Carolinas opener Saturday evening at Alumni Field.

Reynolds scored his second goal in as many games as the Crusaders won their first completed home game of the season.

Additionally, Patrick Kibler earned his first home win of his head coaching career.

Both teams are now 2-1 on the season while the Crusaders are 1-0 in league play. The Warriors are 0-1 in the league.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Reynolds' goal came in the fifth minute off the first shot of the match. He led the team with five shots, three on target.
• Belmont Abbey took 11 shots in the first half compared to three from Southern Wesleyan.
• Trent McConnaughey made two of his four saves in the first half.
• McConnaughey made a key save with less than eight minutes remaining in the contest
• The Warriors had a late chance to score an equalizer but the final shot of the match went high.
• Eight different Crusaders took a shot in the contest.

UP NEXT

• The Crusaders head on the road to face King in the first Northwest Division game of the season.
• The match is scheduled for a 3:30 p.m. start at Parks Field.