Panthers defeat La Verne in season opener

ORANGE, Calif. - The Chapman University men's soccer team picked up right where it left off last season in its 2009 debut at Wilson Field on Wednesday evening. Coming off a season where Chapman set a school record for goals-against average, the Panthers defeated visiting University of La Verne 1-0 and ran its scoreless streak to 341 consecutive minutes dating back to last year.

Junior GK Tyler Hadzinsky, who helped Chapman to a 0.59 goals-against average last season, posted his first shutout of the year and fifth of his career, making one save in the Panthers' victory. Chapman posted nine shutouts as a team in 2008.

Chapman (1-0) got all the offense it would need early on. Junior M Dalton Sweaney netted a one-timer from inside the keeper box in the 11th minute to give the Panthers a 1-0 lead in the first half. The goal came on a cross pass from senior M Alex Sewitz who centered the ball from the right corner of the field.

For La Verne (0-1), GK Ryan Thompson came off the bench in the second half and faced 10 shots, making three saves while shutting out Chapman over the final 45 minutes to keep the game close.

The Panthers improved to 3-1 in their past four season openers and 9-2-1 at Wilson Field since the beginning of the 2008 season.

Chapman held a moment of silence prior to the game in memory of teammate Bryce Turner who passed away in March. All of the Panthers will wear a black armband on their right sleeves this season to memorialize his passing.

Game stats: http://www.chapmanathletics.com/sports/msoc/2009-10/stats/ulv-cu.htm