HANOVER, Ind. – The men's soccer team opened the 2021 spring season on Tuesday afternoon welcoming Earlham. The Panthers used a second half outburst to claim the 2-0 victory.
 
The opening half saw Hanover control play as senior Josh Hughes (Lafayette, La.) fired a shot just 8 minutes into the contest that was deflected by the Quaker defense. They continued to pressure the net as a through ball to senior Brad Simpson (Allen, Texas) came up just short following a goalie deflection.
 
Hanover closed out the first half with 10 shots, led by Hughes with five, two of which landed on frame.
 
The second half opened slow with neither team gaining ground when senior Ian Waldrop (Louisville, Ky.) beat the defense down the sideline and found the go-ahead goal for the Panthers with 23 minutes to play, 1-0.
 
The offensive outburst continued as Hughes was able to elude the defender and net another Hanover goal, 2-0. The goal was the final of the afternoon as the Panthers pelted the net with 25 shots. Hughes led the charge with nine shots and a goal.
 
The Panthers return to action on Saturday, March 6 when they travel to Anderson. Game time is set for 3:30 PM.