MINNEAPOLIS – The Augsburg Auggies hosted the Bethel University men's soccer team Wednesday night under the lights at Edor Nelson Field for the two teams Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) opener, coming away with a 4-1 victory. The Auggies, who are ranked #24 in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America/Continental Tire Division III national poll, jumped on the Royals immediately, scoring on a sprint off the opening kickoff just 19 seconds in. They scored their second goal three minutes later putting the Royals in a hole they could not dig out of.

"Augsburg is a good, fast, athletic and technically talented team,” said Royals head coach Jeremy Iwaszkowiec. “Conceding two goals in the first three minutes to a team of their caliber was too much to overcome.”

At the 20 minute mark Martin Manocchio (Jr., Austin, Minn.) scored the first goal of the season for the Royals. He was assisted by Brent Neihart (Sr., Prairie Village, Kan.). Unfortunately for the Royals, that would be all the offense they could muster the rest of the way as they got off just two shots in the game. Augsburg added two goals early in the second period for the 4-1 final margin. Chad Gilmer and Scott Clinton both had a goal and assist in the game for the Auggies.

“I did appreciate our efforts to settle down and get one of those goals back,” Iwaszkowiec said. “There was a stretch of really good stuff from our guys. However, soccer games are 90 minutes and we have to find a way to mentally and physically compete for a full match. Again, we are young and continue to learn valuable lessons; however, we need to start finding a way to get some results."

Next up for the Royals is a matchup at home with Hamline University Saturday afternoon. The Royals and Pipers will begin play at 1 p.m. Hamline is currently 1-3-1 on the season after losing their MIAC opener today to Concordia College 3-0.