The Emory University men's soccer team took a lead over Virginia Wesleyan College 18 seconds into the start of play on Friday night and never looked back, as the Eagles claimed a 5-0 win over the Marlins at the Woodruff Physical Education Center.

The win was the third-straight victory for the Eagles, who improved to 3-3-0 on the season.  Virginia Wesleyan dropped to 3-3-0 on the campaign with the loss.

The Eagles got off to a quick start to the game, scoring just 18 seconds into the contest.  Freshman Javier Puga would take possession shortly after the opening kick, passing off to senior co-captain Zach Samuels who made a move past his defender on a one-on-one opportunity, and was able to shoot past the Marlins' keeper to give Emory a 1-0 lead.

Samuels would return the favor to Puga just 18 minutes later, with some help from junior co-captain Andrew Natalino.  Natalino took the ball from Samuels on a give-and-go, driving towards the end-line and pulling the keeper out of position.  Natalino then sent a centering pass to Puga, who was able to tap the ball into the empty net for his second goal of the season, giving the Eagles a 2-0 lead.

Emory extended its first half lead in the 26^th minute, as junior David Garofalo launched a free kick towards the goal from 25-yards out, and junior Alex Scott was able to connect for a header goal, his first of the season.

The Eagles secured the victory late, as senior Kamron Zia scored his first goal of the season in the 76^th minute off a Ben Dhiman assist, and freshman Dylan Price notched his second score of the campaign in the 77^th minute off a long pass from Natalino.

Junior goalkeeper Alex Wong played the first 77 minutes in goal for Emory, needing to make just one save en route to the victory, his third in as many games played this season.  Sophomore Andrew Goldblum made two saves in the final 13 minutes to secure the combined shutout for the Eagles, the team's second-straight shutout.

Emory outshot Virginia Wesleyan 19-7 in the game, including a 14-3 advantage in shots on goal. 

The Eagles will return to action on Sunday, hosting Guilford College at 1:00 PM at the Woodruff Physical Education Center.

Emory Notes
Emory has now held opponents scoreless for the last five halves and the past 247 minutes and 13 seconds… After being outscored 7-2 through their first three games of the season, the Eagles have outscored opponents 11-3 in the last three, including two five-goal games… Natalino now has three assists this season, and leads all Emory players with seven points… Seven Emory players took at least two shots in the game, and 11 players took at least one shot... The Eagles defense held Virginia Wesleyan's starting 11 to just two shots during the game, neither of which were on goal.