Box Score
 
WAYNESBURG, Pa. (Aug. 31) – The Waynesburg University men's soccer team opened the 2012 season and a new era of Jacket soccer under first-year head coach Carl Griffiths in winning fashion Friday night at Wiley Stadium. The Yellow Jackets used four second half goals to soar past visiting Franciscan University 5-0.
 
The victory marked the first win in a season opener since 2007 for the Jacket men, who coincidentally enough beat Franciscan 1-0 almost five years to the day. Waynesburg got on the board first when sophomore Ray Melone scored an unassisted goal just over 15 minutes into the season-opening contest.
 
Despite the lopsided victory, there wasn't a huge disparity in shots on the night, as the Jackets held just a slight 19-12 advantage in attempts. However, Waynesburg made the most of its offensive opportunities. Melone tacked on his second goal at the 4:47 mark of the second half to make it 2-0 Waynesburg. From there, the Jackets tacked on goals by freshman Victor Browne, junior Juan Angel and sophomore Cody Lemke to make it 5-0 Waynesburg.
 
Sophomore Nick Brommer had a strong showing, tallying a pair of assists. Browne also chipped in an assist in a solid collegiate debut. Perhaps the best performance of the night came in net for the Jackets, as sophomore Brandon Daughtry earned his first collegiate shutout in his first collegiate start. The Lower Burrell native stopped five shots and kept the Barons offense at bay for the entire 90 minutes.
 
Along with the shot differential, the Jackets also held a 9-3 advantage in corner kicks as the offense put pressure on Franciscan throughout the night.
 
The Jackets will look to use the victory as momentum for when they return to action on Tuesday, Sept. 4, with a road trip to Greensburg, Pa. to take on Pitt-Greensburg. Start time is scheduled for 5 p.m.