NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Piedmont 3, Bob Jones 0
Records: Piedmont 1-0, Bob Jones 0-2

DEMOREST, Ga. – The Piedmont men's soccer team dominated from start to finish and cruised to a 3-0 win over Bob Jones in the season opener on Saturday night at Walker Athletic Complex.

The Lions (1-0) dominated the shot count in the first half before finally breaking through on ERNESTO PLATAS' first collegiate goal in the 56^th minute. From there, PC extended its lead with two more late goals and continued to play solid defense to earn the shutout victory.

The win marks the third-straight season that Piedmont has defeated Bob Jones (0-2) to open its campaign.

After delivering two goals last season, junior forward COLIN OWEN came off the bench to add his first of 2018 before freshman LULE TEKILEMARIAM capped the scoring in the final minute with his first career goal.

Despite a 0-0 score going into the break, the Lions controlled play in the first half, playing suffocating defense to hold the Bruins without a shot. Piedmont tallied 10 shot attempts, but Bob Jones goalkeeper Isaac Landry came up with a couple of big saves to keep the Lions off the board.

PC continued its dominant play in the second half as Platas broke through minutes after entering the game on a header off a corner delivered by JOSE LINARES.

The Lions got their insurance on Owen's goal in the 73^rd minute after a Bob Jones turnover led to a top-left corner finish from just inside the box. Then, with the outcome decided, Tekilemariam converted a breakaway in the closing seconds to secure the Lions the 3-0 win.

Overall, Piedmont held a 20-2 shot advantage for the contest while holding an 11-1 edge in corners.

Up next, the Lions remain at home as they host Berry College on Tuesday, Sept. 4 at 7 p.m.