BEREA, Ky. – The Berea College men's soccer team opened its home slate in spectacular fashion, defeating the Mount St. Joseph Lions 4-0 on Saturday evening.

The win pushes the Mountaineers to 2-1-1 on the season.

Senior Max Jr. had an amazing home-debut as he recorded a hat-trick. Junior Joshua Szidik netted a goal, along with an assists and senior Junior Gyamfi also earned an assist. Freshmen goalkeeper Eris Acosta notched his second shutout of the season and recorded eight saves.

The Mountaineers stepped onto the pitch with a purpose discharging 21 shots in the first half at the Lions keeper Gustavo Gutierrez. Szidik opened up the dominant win by shooting from point-blank range outside the Lion's box to convert the first goal during the 13th minute. Shortly after, Jr. turned on the jets to lead the charge for the Mountaineers, scoring a triad of goals within 8 minutes. The first goal of many came after Gyamfi slid the ball into a needlelike defense that led to Jr.'s first goal extending Berea's lead to 2-0.

After a pair of shots taken by the Lions, Jr. brings the heat traveling past the Lions' defense and beating the keeper to make the score 3-0. However, Jr. still had to take care of unfinished business. As the first half ended, the talisman for the Mountaineers completed his hat trick in the 40th minute to finalize the ambush.

The Berea College men's soccer team wraps up its short home stint on Monday, hosting the Alice Lloyd College Eagles. Kickoff is slated for 6:00 p.m. at the Berea College Soccer Field.