LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The University of Pikeville men's soccer team opened its 2026 season in dominant fashion Thursday evening, defeating Boyce College 4-0 behind a hat trick from senior forward Dylan Roberts.
The Bears controlled possession and created opportunities throughout the opening half, outshooting Boyce 13-3 and putting eight shots on goal compared to none for the Bulldogs.
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. The goal was the Manchester, England, native's first as a Bear after transferring from Southern Nazarene University.
UPIKE carried the one-goal advantage into halftime, with goalkeeper Lucas Carlsson turning away Boyce's only shot on target of the match.
The Bears continued to pressure the Bulldogs early in the second half, and Yali Cohen doubled the lead in the 65th minute. The senior midfielder headed his first goal of the season to make it 2-0.
Roberts then took over the match in the final 15 minutes.
In the 74th minute, 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 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.
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. Sam Reinks and Alex Pritchard also recorded shots on goal.
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 an 23-6 advantage in shots and held a 11-1 edge in shots on goal. UPIKE also earned four corner kicks to Boyce's zero.
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--
