SPRING ARBOR, Mich. – The Spring Arbor University men's soccer team opened the 2026 season in impressive fashion Thursday night, scoring three times in a six-minute span in the second half to defeat Cornerstone University 3-0 at the Cougar Soccer Complex.
Spring Arbor controlled much of the action throughout the opening half and generated several quality scoring opportunities, but a couple of big saves by the Cornerstone goalkeeper kept the Cougars off the scoreboard and sent the match into halftime scoreless.
It didn't take long for SAU to break through after the intermission.
Alex Murphy opened the scoring in the 53rd minute, heading home a cross from
Micah Vasey to give the Cougars a 1-0 advantage.
Just three minutes later, Vasey was involved again, connecting with
Caleb Swartzendruber for his second assist of the night as Swartzendruber found the back of the net to double the Spring Arbor lead.
The Cougars weren't finished.
Ian Lama capped the six-minute scoring surge in the 59th minute, finishing off a sequence from
Josiah Bain and Vasey to push the advantage to 3-0. The assist was Vasey's third of the night, giving him a hand in all three Spring Arbor goals.
Spring Arbor controlled the match statistically as well, finishing with a 21-5 advantage in shots.
On the other end of the field, goalkeeper
Tommy Farrell turned away the only shot on goal he faced to secure the clean sheet.
Spring Arbor (1-0) will remain at home for its next contest, welcoming Michigan-Dearborn to the Cougar Soccer Complex on Saturday, Aug. 22. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
