KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - University of Pikeville men's soccer improved to 2-0 in AAC play after a 3-0 road victory over the Johnson University Royals Wednesday evening.  

The Bears offense got going early in this one with a corner kick in the 3' and a shot on goal from Oliver Fausel in the 6'.  

UPike continued to apply the pressure on the Royals' defense before pushing in a goal in the 32'. Jakob Rus, off an assist from Bruno Back, fired a shot past JU goalie Bruno Babato to put the Bears up 1-0.  

Johnson had its first and only shot attempt of the first half in the 39' but the attempt went high. Despite holding a 9-1 advantage in shot attempts, the Bears took a 1-0 goal advantage into the halftime break.  

UPike extended its lead in the 48'. The Bears drove deep into JU territory, drew a foul, and were rewarded with a penalty kick. Alex Pritchard buried the PK and put UPike ahead 2-0. 27 minutes after Pritchard's PK goal, Bruno Arenal got on the scoresheet to put the Bears up 3-0.  

Arenal's third tally of the season proved to be the final goal of the match. Johnson would have a corner kick, but the Bears defense turned them away. The Bears defense held strong, preventing a shot on goal to preserve a 3-0, shutout victory.  

Wednesday's result was not only the Bears' second consecutive win, but their second consecutive shutout victory. UPike's defense has allowed just one shot on goal over its last two games.  

Wednesday's win over JU pushes UPike's record to 3-2 (2-0 AAC). Coach Oliver Hewitt-Fisher's team will hit the pitch Saturday for a home AAC match against Columbia College. Kickoff for UPike and Columbia is set for 5:30 p.m. at Bob Amos Park.  

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