DANVILLE, Va. — Early first half goals power Averett University men's soccer to a 4-0 victory over Berea College on Saturday afternoon on Daly Field at Frank R. Campbell Stadium.
 
Sophomore Erik Blick struck the deciding goal in the fifth minute of play, benefiting from a missed play by the defense that Blick stole away and blasted past Berea's keeper from the 5-yard line. 
 
Averett (3-3, 1-0 USA South) tacked on another score just over two minutes later when sophomore Ty Michelson played a free ball following a Mountaineers foul that ricocheted off the cross bar and landed inside of the net for his first collegiate goal. 
 
Berea (3-3, 0-1 USA South) would hold Averett off the board until the 59th minute, when sophomore Johnny Kummander netted a goal to push the Cougars lead to 3-0, playing a long ball from sophomore Lluc Pou. Kummander's score marked the third straight game that the sophomore has found the back of the net. 
 
The Cougars added an insurance in the 84th minute to extend their lead to 4-0, benefitting from a header by freshman Geovanny Rodriquez that bounced off a defender and slipped pass the goalie. Sophomore Leevi Partanen assisted on the play and marked the first career goal for Rodriguez. 
 
Averett would control a slight 12-11 shot advantage on the afternoon, but took advantage of its scoring opportunities, landing seven shots on frame for four scores. 
 
Junior Colton Dutchess got the start in net for the Cougars, recording three saves on the day, while senior Matthew Merhoff saw time in goal, combining with Dutchess for the shutout victory, marking the third straight shutout in a row for Averett. 
 
The Cougars return to action on Sunday when they host 2018 regular-season and tournament champion Maryville College at 2 p.m.