SAINT LEO, Fla. – The Auburn Montgomery men's soccer team took advantage of a pair of penalty-kick goals, combined with an early second-half score, to cruise their way to a 3-0 victory in their 2021 season opener against Saint Leo University on Friday, Sept. 3.
 
Renan Diniz accounted for the first penalty-kick goal in minute number 14, followed by another PK tally from Arnaud Baron in minute number 33 to double AUM's lead to 2-0 heading into halftime. 
 
The Warhawks got their final tally of the match in the 46th minute. Lucas Batistela set up Phillip Spickenbaum on the goal by intercepting an errant Lion pass, followed by a precise lob shot from Spickenbaum over an outstretched Saint Leo keeper to net the dagger. 
 
"Tonight was an excellent team performance from the lads," Head Coach Matthew Thorne said. "They put in a great shift. To win 3-0 against a quality side like Saint Leo is fantastic. Now, we focus on recovery and getting ready for another massive test on Sunday in Tampa."
 
AUM and Saint Leo both took 11 shots on the night, with the Warhawks edging the Lions in shots on goal, 6-5. AUM took three corner kicks in the game, compared to Saint Leo's two. 
 
In goal, senior keeper Alexander Kraus (1-0-0) grabbed five critical saves en route to his eighth career shutout.  
 
The men's soccer team will return to action on Sunday, Sept. 5 when they take on the University of Tampa in Tampa, Fla. Kickoff is slated for 12:00 p.m. (CST).
 
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