Matt Barker, Sports Information Director

ST. LOUIS, Mo. - The Freed-Hardeman Men's Soccer team opened conference play on a positive note Tuesday evening, as they picked up a 3-1 win over Harris-Stowe State University on the road in St. Louis, Mo.

The Lions (3-2, 1-0 AMC) were required to overcome a slow start to secure the win, as Harris-Stowe struck first with a goal by Daniel Barera in the seventh minute to break the ice and put the Hornets up 1-0.

However, despite being out-shot 15-10 in the match-up, the Lions made the most of their few opportunities, as they made good on three of the seven shots that had on frame in the contest.

The Lions received contribution from a variety of players in the win, as three different players recorded goals in the match-up. Andrij Sawczuk got the scoring drive started for FHU in the 44th minute, as he used solid footwork to slide past an HSSU defender and goalkeeper to fire in an open net goal to even things up at one apiece entering the break.

Despite starting the match slow in the first half, the Lions more than made up for it in the second half, as they fired in two unanswered goals to make a comeback unlikely for the Hornets (0-4, 0-1 AMC).

Senior Welton Degraffreed struck first for the Lions in the second half, as he won the battle on a 50-50 ball in the box and fired in his second goal of the season to put FHU up 2-1.

Jose Andrada added an insurance goal for the Lions in the 70th minute, as he fired in a goal from 20 yards out just past the reaching arms of HSSU keeper John Jancewicz to give FHU a 3-1 lead, which was all they needed to secure the win in their conference opener. Calum Langdale was solid in the goal for the Lions, as he saved seven of the eight shots he faced while allowing just one goal.

With the win, the Lions move to 3-2 on the season and 1-0 in conference play. Harris-Stowe State University falls to 0-4 on the season and 0-1 in AMC play with the loss.

UP NEXT: The Lions are back in action Saturday, September 15th, as they host Hannibal-LaGrange University. The Lady Lions kick things off first at 1:30 PM followed by the men's match at 3:30 PM at the Josh Riley Soccer Complex.

For all the latest information regarding the FHU Men's Soccer team, be sure to follow FHU Athletics on all our social media outlets including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, all @gofhulions