BEAVER FALLS, Pa.  – Fresh off of a statement season-opening win at Grove City, the EMU Men's Soccer Team looked to carry that momentum into their second game in as many days, going up against Geneva College (Pa.). The Royals weathered an early storm of shots from the Golden Tornadoes and capitalized on a scoring opportunity early in the second half to come away with a 1-0 victory.

The Royals will head home to Harrisonburg undefeated in two games on their season-opening Pennsylvania road trip. This is EMU's first 2-0 start to a season since 2008. The Royals got off to an 6-0 start that year.
 
Records: EMU 2-0 | Geneva (Pa.) 0-1

Highlights

• The Royals hanged tough defensively in the first half, getting outshot 9-1 by Geneva in the opening 45 minutes.
• 55' | EMU seized the moment early in the second half. Attacking from the right side, Elijah Byrd, who scored the game-winning goal at Grove City, sent in a beautiful cross into the middle of the box. Dimas Portillo the used his head to get the ball past Geneva goalkeeper Ian Lewis to break up the stalemate. It was Portillo's first goal of 2025 and the fourth of his college career.
• Both sides had their fair share of scoring chances in the closing minutes, but no one could find another goal and the 1-0 score held up for the Royals.

Statistical Leaders
Goals: Portillo (1)
Assists: Byrd (1)
Saves: Andrew Arledge (2)

What's Next
The EMU Men's Soccer team look forward to returning home to Harrisonburg for their home opener on Friday, Sept. 5 vs. John Jay College. Opening kick against the Bloodhounds is scheduled for 4 p.m.

To keep up to date with everything surrounding the EMU men's soccer program this year, follow EMU Athletics on Instagram, like EMU Athletics on Facebook or visit our website.