WILKES-BARRE, Pa.— The Allegheny College men's soccer team opened the 2017 season with a 2-0 victory on the road at King's College Friday (Sept. 1).
 
The opening game win marks the first for the Gators since 2013 (1-0 over Concordia).
 
The Gators netted their first goal of the season just 15 minutes into the game.  A free-kick from Liam McKersie hit a Monarch defender, knocking the ball into the net for an own goal.  Both teams had chances in the first half but the game remained 1-0 in favor of the Gators heading into halftime.
 
It did not take long for the Gators to increase their lead in the second half.  Just two-and-a-half minutes in, Jon Sion shot from the right side of the box, sneaking the ball past the keeper to extend the lead to two.  The goal marked the first career goal for Sion as a Gator.
 
In the closing the minutes of the game, the Monarchs threatened but goalkeeper David Stekla made three saves to secure the clean sheet.
 
Stekla finished the game with six saves for his second career shutout. 

"I was really pleased with the effort tonight," said Gator coach Angelo Panzetta.  "It was a really even game throughout, and we were able to make the plays needed to win it.  David and the defense came up big over the last 15 minutes.  Our midfielders and forwards showed good composure to maintain possession and finish off the win."
 
Overall, the Monarchs held the advantage in the shot category 12-5 and in the corner kick category 6-2.

Sion and Danny Reid had two shots apiece to lead the Gator offense.
 
The Gators are back in action Saturday (Sept. 2) at 3 p.m. at the University of Scranton.