SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y – A strong second half fueled the Skidmore College men's soccer team to an impressive 3-0 victory over Marywood in the season opener at Wachenheim Field on an unusually cool Friday evening.
 
Skidmore improved to 1-0, while Marywood fell to 0-1. It was also the season opener for the Pacers of the Colonial States Athletic Conference.
 
After a scoreless first half for both teams, Skidmore senior forward Kevin Santos got going, scoring or assisting in all three of the Thoroughbreds' goals. In the 48th minute, Santos beat a few Marywood defenders to get into the penalty box, then found a streaking Brennan Mitrolka just inside of the 18-yard mark. The senior midfielder fired a high shot that beat Pacers goalkeeper Michael Mejia.
 
Still reeling from the first goal, the Thoroughbreds took advantage nearly two minutes later, as sophomore midfielder Inigo Ugarte tallied his first career assist. Sprinting into the attacking third, Ugarte found Santos with a cross near the penalty spot for a high header at 49:08.
 
Skidmore tallied its third goal on a strike by senior midfielder Augustine Okoye in the 84th minute. Santos fed Okoye on a low pass from the left side just outside the box. Okoye broke to his right past a defender and finished with a low shot that beat the keeper left.
 
Making his first career start in net, Sebastian Bosch made just two saves to record his first collegiate clean sheet. His counterpart, Mejia, was busy in net with five saves in 90 minutes.
 
Skidmore held Marywood on defense, outshooting the Pacers 15-2. Both teams combined for 28 fouls in what was a physical contest.
 
The Thoroughbreds will hit the road for three straight contests, beginning with a midweek trip to the North Country to take on Plattsburgh, Tuesday at 6 p.m.