LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The University of Pikeville men's soccer team opened its 2026 season in dominant fashion Thursday night, defeating Boyce University 4-0 behind a hat trick from senior forward Dylan Roberts at Woehrle Field.
The Bears controlled the match from the opening whistle, creating several chances throughout the first half and holding a 13-3 advantage in shots. UPIKE also put eight shots on goal during the opening 45 minutes, while Boyce did not record a shot on target.
After several early chances, UPIKE broke through in the 42nd minute when Roberts found the back of the net at the 41:05 mark to give the Bears a 1-0 advantage. Yali Cohen provided the assist on the play, while the goal marked Roberts' first as a Bear after transferring from Southern Nazarene University.
UPIKE carried the one-goal advantage into halftime after limiting Boyce to just three shots and no shots on goal in the opening period.
The Bears continued to pressure the Bulldogs early in the second half, and Sam Reinks doubled the lead in the 65th minute. The senior defender scored his first goal of the season at 64:40, with Amo Mofokeng providing the assist to make it 2-0.
Roberts then took over the match in the final 15 minutes.
At 74:48, Roberts scored his second goal of the night to push the Bears' lead to 3-0. Just 31 seconds later, he completed the hat trick, finding the net again at 75:19 to give UPIKE a four-goal advantage.
Roberts finished the night with three goals on four shots, putting three of his attempts on frame. He also recorded the game-winning goal and became the first Bear to score three times in a match this season. Reinks added a goal on his lone shot of the night, while Mofokeng earned an assist.
Cohen led the Bears with six shots, including three on goal, while Elvis Simiyu added four shots and Kananelo Makhanya put both of his attempts on target. Reinks also put his lone shot on goal, while Alex Pritchard recorded two shots, including one on target.
UPIKE's defense limited Boyce to just six total shots and one shot on goal. Carlsson played all 90 minutes in goal and made one save to earn the clean sheet, while Boyce goalkeeper Jalen Smith made seven saves.
The Bears finished with a 23-6 advantage in shots and held an 11-1 edge in shots on goal. UPIKE also earned four corner kicks while holding Boyce without a corner.
The Bears are back in action on Tuesday, September 1 where they will travel to Campbellsville University. The match is scheduled to start at 6:00 PM.
--UPIKE--
