COLUMBIA, Ky.  - The No. 5 ranked Lindsey Wilson men's soccer team opened its 2023 season with a 3-0 victory over Mount Vernon Nazarene (Ohio) Wednesday on Ray Wells Field at Walter S. Reuling Stadium.

The Blue Raiders (1-0) held an 18-5 edge in shots over the Cougars (0-1) and a 10-3 advantage in shots on goal. Sadam Masereka, Michael Acquah and Sebastian Tregarthen each scored a goal in the victory. Felix Poschmann and Pedro Maximiano each picked up an assist while Pablo Costa recorded three saves.

Neither team had much going offensively in the first 10 minutes. Lindsey Wilson struck first in the 11th minute when Poschmann fired a shot that was deflected by the Cougar goalkeeper and Masereka followed made a run on the ball to put it in the net. The Blue Raiders had a few more opportunities in the first half but were turned away by Nate Hutsell.

Lindsey Wilson increased its lead to 2-0 in the 57th minute. Maximiano played a ball into the box where Acquah came sliding in to beat the Hutsell. The Blue Raiders increased their lead to 3-0 in the 80th minute. Tregarthen got the ball off of a Cougar deflection and beat the goalkeeper to the far corner.

The Blue Raiders are back in action on Monday when they host Judson (Ill.) at 2 p.m. CT at Ray Wells Field.