HENDERSON — The depth of the Freed-Hardeman University Lions paid dividends in the season premiere, with FHU netting five goals in the second half to defeat the Ecclesia (Ark.) College Royals 6-0 at the Josh Riley Soccer Complex.

The Freed-Hardeman (1-0-0) offense was busy the whole match, taking 28 shots with 11 coming in the first half. It was not until 20:45 that FHU got on the board when Felipe Benavides took a through ball from Thabo Mahlaha from the left side of the goal box, burying the first goal of the year with a strike from his left boot.

Though equally as busy offensively in the second frame, the Lions found more success getting past the Ecclesia (0-1-0) keeper by netting five goals in the final 45. in the 60th minute, Noah Setterberg floated a pass toward the outside of the box where Seabata Ts'emane fired a rocket from his left foot to score the second FHU goal. Setterberg tallied a goal of his own at 74:42 when Avery Flener sent a pass from midfield to Mahlaha - who tapped a one-time pass to Setterberg who netted his first goal as a Lion.

The Lions would tally three goals in the last 10 minute of the match with Flener joining the scoring  at 80:48 after a shot from Ts'emane was saved, but staying in play long enough for Flener to tap in the 4-0 lead. Ts'mane picked up two more assists with his pass to Tyson Campell allowing Campbell to score before his shot in the 88th minute pinged off the crossbar where Saban Bell gathered the rebound to score the sixth and final goal of the victory.

Each playing one half, Orlando Whiteside and Eduardo Almansa teamed up with a combined clean sheet with each keeper making one save. 
 

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Up Next

The Lions continue their long homestand to open the season by hosting the University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy (Mo.) Eutectics on August 24 with a noon kickoff.