VAN HOLLAND, TIGERS CRUISE PAST DEFENDERS IN GPAC HOME OPENER

MITCHELL, S.D. – In its first home match in nearly a month, the Dakota Wesleyan University men's soccer team cruised to a decisive 3-0 victory versus Dordt University in its Great Plains Athletic Conference home opener on Wednesday from the Pepsi-Cola Soccer Complex in Mitchell, S.D.

Under first-year head coach Brady Van Holland, Dakota Wesleyan wasted no time taking control of the match with a goal in the 11^th minute. Rafael Calderon (Talca, Chile), who leads DWU with five goals on the season, secured the early score and the Tigers (2-8-0, 1-2-0 GPAC) held a 1-0 lead.

Both offenses traded possessions for the remainder of the period, yet DWU continued to press the Defender (2-7-2, 1-3-0 GPAC) back line. Roberto Gerardo Romero (Lynwood, Calif.) and Calderon attempted back-to-back strikes on goal in the 26^th and 27^th minutes, respectively, though both attempts were denied.

Dakota Wesleyan controlled a 10-5 advantage in shots along with a 1-0 lead at halftime. Meanwhile, Hunter Birozy (Norco, Calif.), who earned the shutout victory at goalkeeper, logged a pair of saves in the first period.

Barry-Dre Tibbetts (Cayman Islands, Cayman Islands) extended the Tiger lead to 2-0 early in the second period as he found the back of the net in the 51^st minute for the first goal of his DWU career.

While the Dakota Wesleyan offense continued its strong offensive play, the Blue and Gray defensive back line equally played its part in shutting out DU. The Defenders, who tallied seven shots in the second period, nearly scored in the 71^st minute. Though, the attempt was denied thanks to a defensive save by Zarko Sinha (Sioux Falls, S.D.) and the match stalled at 2-0.

 Calderon finally broke the contest wide open with his second goal of the match in the 81^st minute as the Tigers posted the 3-0 lead. Ultimately, Dakota Wesleyan cruised to the 3-0 home victory thanks to 14 shots and seven shots on goal.

Calderon paced DWU with four shots on goal while Cesar Requena (Lima, Peru) registered three shots in the match. Senior Tyler Anderson (Monticello, Minn.) and the Dakota Wesleyan back line meanwhile limited Dordt to five shots on goal.

Van Holland and the Tigers return to action next versus GPAC foe Concordia University at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday from the Pepsi-Cola Soccer Complex in Mitchell, S.D.