Box Score CONWAY, Ark. -- The Delta State University men's soccer team struck once early, and then often late en route to a commanding 5-0 victory over Central Baptist College. The win marks the first in a season-opening match since 2017, when the Statesmen defeated Barry University.

With just a one-goal advantage heading into halftime, Delta State debutants Mathis Hardy, Pablo Herrera, and Clair Cox IV put the result beyond a doubt, each netting for the first time in Green and White.

THE BASICS:
Score: Delta State 5, Central Baptist 0
Records: Statesmen 1-0-0 | Mustangs 0-3-0
Series: DSU leads the series all time 3-0
Location: Centennial Soccer Complex | Conway, Ark.
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HOW IT HAPPENED

• Tom Toulson wasted no time to register the first shot of the match, sending his effort over the crossbar in the sixth minute.
• Herrera followed up three minutes later with the first shot on goal.
• Central Baptist recorded their first attempt on target in the 16th minute, but Mattis Kloepper was equal to it, marking his first save.
• Remi Emeriau put Delta State on the board in the 19th minute, putting them ahead 1-0.
• Toulson received the game's first yellow card in the 24th minute.
• Just 54 seconds into the second half, Eldi Seiti picked up a yellow card of his own.
• Emeriau almost doubled his tally in the 51st minute as his shot caromed off the post.
• Hardy took an Emeriau pass and placed it in the back of the net, putting the Statesmen ahead 2-0 in the 68th minute.
• Four minutes later, Hardy struck again to give himself a brace and the Statesmen a 3-0 advantage.
• Central Baptist put together a few pressure-packed sequences, but Kloepper turned them all away, making three saves in the span of four minutes.
• Herrera added to Delta State's total in the 85th minute, extending the lead to four.
• With just 121 seconds to go, Cox converted off a Darren Mota assist, finishing the Statesmen scoring at five in the 89th minute.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

• Delta State controlled the match from the opening kickoff, outshooting Central Baptist 22-5.
• The Statesmen out-fouled the Mustangs 10-8 and led the yellow card total 2-1.
• Hardy led all players in scoring with four points, Emeriau finished right behind him with three.

UP NEXT:

Delta State travels to Lebanon, Tenn. for a matchup with Cumberland University on Monday, Sept. 6th at 3 p.m.