NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Piedmont 1, Centenary 0
Records: Piedmont, 1-0; Centenary, 0-1

COLUMBUS, Miss. - The Piedmont men's soccer team opened its 2024 season with a 1-0 win over Centenary late Saturday afternoon. The Lions spent the majority of the first half on the back foot before finally breaking through in the second.

The Gents boasted nearly double-digit shots in the first 45, though they turned just one on-goal. Piedmont was limited to just four shots, with two being on frame.

Out of half, the script flipped in favor of the Lions as Piedmont began to dominate the possession and opportunity battle. The offense started knocking on the door in the 56th minute as senior Jason Aussin and freshman Juliann Pimentel forced saves out of the Centenary keeper. In the 60th minute, Piedmont finally opened the scoring. Off a corner, sophomore Nathan Jacome put home the opening goal of the 2024 season off the assist from junior Colin Vogel.

Desperate to get back in the contest, Centenary pressed hard for the remainder of the match. Despite firing eight shots in the last 20 minutes, the Gents were unable to best keeper Bobby Wood, who held his clean sheet to the final whistle. 

Up next, the Lions will be right back in action, taking on Mississippi University for Women tomorrow at 1 p.m.

TURNING POINT:
- Piedmont broke through in the 60th minute as Nathan Jacome scored the first goal of the 2024 season.

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
- Nathan Jacome scored the lone goal in the contest.
- Bobby Wood held a clean sheet in goal, making 5 saves while facing 20 shots.
- Colin Vogel recorded his first assist of the season.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
- Centenary out shot the Lions 20-10.
- Piedmont put 7 of their 10 shots on goal while the Gents put just five on frame. 

HOW TO FOLLOW:
- To stay up to date on all information regarding Piedmont University Athletics, be sure to visit PiedmontLions.com and connect with the Green and Gold on social media. Follow the Lions on X @PiedmontLions, Instagram: @PiedmontLions, and Facebook.