(box score)
Junior Gareth Cooper (Royersford, PA) notched two goals for Widener in a 4-1 season-opening triumph over Rosemont at Leslie C. Quick Jr. Stadium.
After Rosemont tied the contest at 1-1 in the 26th minute, Cooper gave Widener the lead for good in the 38th off a cross from freshman Derek Brubaker (Lancaster, PA). He scored again in the 65th minute for a 3-1 Widener lead, following a cross from freshman Cody Schulte (White Hall, MD).
Sophomore Kevin Martin (Havertown, PA) opened the scoring just over 18 minutes into the game on a free kick from 55 yards out that deflected off of the outstretched hands of Rosement goalkeeper Nick Hulayew. Junior Brad Zeigler (Medford, NJ) assisted sophomore DJ DiPaola (Havertown, PA) in the 68th minute for Widener's fourth goal.
The Pride (1-0) outshot Rosemont 18-5, including 11-3 in the first half.
Freshman Jakub Valdner (Bratislava, Slovakia) recorded the win for Widener.
Sergio Martinez assisted Ron Vogelei on the lone goal for Rosemont and Hulayew made six saves.
Widener on Saturday travels to Swarthmore, PA to face Immaculata in the Garnet Alumni Classic beginning at 2:00 pm.
