HANOVER, Ind. – The Hanover men's soccer team welcomed non-conference foe Spalding on Wednesday afternoon, winning the chippy battle 2-1.
 
The Panthers were paced by senior Carlos Schryver (Sao Paulo, Brazil) and senior Luke Eppler (Evansville, Ind.) with one goal apiece. Schryver also added an assist. In frame, sophomore Luciano Salemi (Indianapolis, Ind.) picked up the victory as he charted five saves, surrendering just one goal.
 
In what quickly became a chippy back-an-forth battle the Panther attack looked to get something going and Schryver delivered. The senior navigated the Golden Eagle back line with just under four minutes remaining in the opening frame to propel HC out in front 1-0.
 
The momentum carried into the second half as Eppler made his way into the score's column following an assist by Schryver at the 64:38 mark.
 
However, Spalding continued to apply pressure as they found the back of the net in the 76^th minute off a penalty kick that cut the difference to 2-1.
 
The Hanover defense stood tall as they were able to combat the threat and secure the season opening victory.
 
The Blue and Red finished the contest with a game-high 19 shots, 10 of which landed on frame. Spalding tallied nine total attempts.
 
Hanover returns to action on Saturday, Sept. 4 when they welcome Kenyon to the pitch. Game time is slated for 2:00 PM.