CLEVELAND – Josh Jokic scored two second-half goals and assisted on another as the Delta State Statesmen posted their first victory of the season, a 3-2 win over Union University on Thursday at Delta Field.

Jokic (Brisbane, Queensland, Australia/Canterbury College) netted the game-winner in the 71st minute when he deposited a low shot to the right of Union keeper Mike Phelan off a perfect crossing pass off the foot of senior David Horstmann (Rossville, Tenn./Christian Brothers HS).

A freshman, Jokic recorded the first two goals and first five points of his collegiate career.

Freshman goalkeeper Flavio Romero (Cartagena, Colombia/Colegio Britanico de Cartagena) earned his first collegiate victory as the Statesmen improved to 1-3.

Romero recorded a clean sheet in the first half, and finished the match with five saves, including a dramatic diving save through traffic in the goal box in the final 30 seconds of the match.

The South American benefitted from the strong play of his defenders in front of him, including starters Liam Coulson, Jason White, David Wages and Will Fisher.

Jokic and Horstmann helped push Delta State to a seemingly comfortable two-goal barely three minutes into the second half as each player tallied a score. Horstmann assisted on both of Jokic's goals, and the freshman returned the favor to Horstmann in the 48th minute to give the Statesmen a 2-0 lead.

Rafael Carvalho put the Bulldogs on the board a minute later by converting a penalty kick. He tied the match with his second goal of the afternoon in the 64th minute.

It was a competitive and physical contest throughout, as three Union players were issued yellow-card bookings. Delta State picked up a yellow card of its own in the final five minutes.

The Statesmen return to action Tuesday when they host Lee University. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. at Delta Field.