FERRUM, VA - A goal from senior forward Marco Diaz secured a 1-0 win for PIU men's soccer on Friday night, as the Bruins downed Ferrum College on the road in their opening game of the season.

"It's always good to start the season off with a win," said Head Coach Craig Golding, "especially with a shutout against a good team like Ferrum. The guys competed and played hard, so we're happy with where we're at, but we still have a long way to go."

The lone goal of the game would come in the 20th minute as junior forward Brayan Gomez was able to get in behind the Ferrum defense and flick the ball over the Panther's goalkeeper before Diaz finished it off for the early lead.

Ferrum would see their two best chances of the game denied in the next few minutes by sophomore goalkeeper Jeremiah Gibbs in quick succession as he first pushed a free kick effort wide and followed that up with a save on a header that came off of an ensuing corner kick.

In the 30th minute, the Bruins nearly doubled their lead as freshman winger Mario Salinas got free for a left-footed shot that hit the crossbar before being cleared away. Francisco Tapia would also have a chance in the 37th minute as he got free on a corner kick before seeing his headed effort miss just over the bar. 

The second half wouldn't see many chances for either side as the Bruins worked hard to secure the clean sheet to hold on for the 1-0 victory. The Bruins outshot the Panthers 12-8 on the night with Diaz, Tapia, Gomez, and Salinas each recording 2 shots apiece. 

PIU men's soccer will be back in action Wednesday, September 4 for their home opener at BB&T Soccer Park in Advance, NC as they play host to St Andrews University at 7PM.