MELBOURNE, Fla. - The men's soccer team was looking to erase bad feelings from last season as they entered the 2019 season opener at Florida Tech. In the battle of the Panthers, the team down south looked like they were the ones in mid-season form in a 4-1 decision over DU. The game was added just a few days ago as DU was hoping to add a game after having to cancel Thursday's match at Palm Beach Atlantic due to Hurricane Dorian.

COACHES CORNER
"Our opponent tonight was a very good and well coached team. The senior laden team will perform well nationally and in their league. I believe it's important to play some of the best teams in the non-conference schedule because it will better prepare us for league play and beyond. We had some good moments in the game and created several good chances and on the opposite side of the ball we gave them a couple goals that we shouldn't have. We will learn from tonight. It will make us stronger."

NOTES AND NUMBERS
- Solomon Wheatley scored twice for Florida Tech who also played in the season opener. He scored his team's first goal in the 30th minute and also the team's fourth and final goal in the 66th minute.
- The second goal of the game was scored by Hugo Lopez just one minute after Wheatley's first goal. Per Henrik Nag assisted on the game's first two goals for Florida Tech.
- The third goal was scored in the 60th minute by Luca Campanini on a penalty kick. 
- Freshman Justice Sikkema (North Muskegon H.S.) scored his first career goal in the 84th minute with an assist from Carson Brinks. It was Brinks first game since the 2017 season after he missed all of 2018 due to injury.
- Freshman Markus Sundin (Sengeloese, Denmark) made his debut in goal for Davenport and finished with five saves.
- Florida Tech held a 21-7 edge in total shots and 9-3 in shots on goal.
- Florida Tech posted a 10-4-1 record last season.

WHAT'S NEXT
The Panthers (0-1) will face another stiff test on Sunday morning at 10 a.m. as they travel to play No. 12 Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida. The Fighting Knights won their season opener on Thursday against Florida Memorial at home by the score of 6-1.

Story by: Ryan Thompson