DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The Embry-Riddle men's soccer team opened Sunshine State Conference play Saturday night at the Embry-Riddle Soccer Stadium against the Lions of Saint Leo University (2-4-0, 0-1-0 SSC) and came away with a 1-0 win.
 
The only goal the Eagles (1-2-0, 1-0-0) needed came from Roberto Whitley, making his first appearance of the season, who managed to beat the keeper just 48 seconds into the contest for the go-ahead goal.
 
The Blue and Gold had a few more chances in the first half to try and extend their lead, but none of the shots taken found their mark as Saint Leo keeper Wessel Berenschot managed to save shots by Collins Maude and Teddy West.
 
The first half drew to a close with the Eagles holding a six-four edge in shots. Gudmundur Sigurbjornsson saved every shot he faced from the Lions' attack in th first 45 minutes of action.
 
The second half saw strong defense and physical play from both sides, as five cautions were issued in the final 45 minutes between the two teams. Saint Leo tried to get on the board with a pair of shots from leading scorer Federico Toschi in the first 15 minutes of the second half, but one missed wide right and the other was saved by Sigurbjornsson for his fifth of the game.
 
Both teams only managed to get three shots off in the second half, as Embry-Riddle finished the night with a nine-seven advantage in that category. Ferderico Tellechea led the Lions with three shots on the evening, while Alex O'Brien, Teddy West and Whitley each had a pair.
 
Saturday night's game marked the first time Embry-Riddle has opened conference play with a win since becoming a full-time member of NCAA Division II.
 
The Eagles are back in action this Wednesday evening at 7 PM at the ERAU Soccer Stadium against the Florida Tech Panthers as they continue SSC play.