MURFREESBORO, N.C. – The Concord University men's soccer team scored a pair of goals just over 80 seconds apart in the first half as it picked up a 2-0 win over Virginia State in the season opener for both teams at the Chowan University Soccer Complex Thursday afternoon.

Concord had nine shots in the first 30 minutes of play, but it wasn't until the 39^th minute when the Mountain Lions broke through. With CU pressing to find the game's first goal, VSU was unable to get rid of a ball in the penalty area and senior midfielder Daniel Rivers blasted a half volley from the top of the box for the score.

Just 83 seconds later, the Mountain Lions doubled the lead.

Sophomore forward Keeyan Thomas controlled possession down the right side of the attacking third. Thomas flipped a pass to sophomore midfielder Koya Nakamura whose first touch hit the back of the net as he was streaking into the middle of the penalty box.

After a 15-shot first half, Concord continued to pepper the goal with eight more shots in the second half.

Staked out to the two-goal lead, junior goalkeeper Iori Tanaka needed to make three second-half saves to preserve the clean sheet for the Mountain Lions.

CU recorded 23 shots in the game to Virginia State's 10. However, shots on goal were nearly even with Concord holding a 7-6 edge. All 10 corners in the game belonged to the Mountain Lions.

Senior forward Dominique Malhomme tallied five shots with three on goal. Nakamura had four shots while Thomas notched three shots.

Concord will stay in eastern North Carolina for a Saturday matchup with Chowan. Kickoff is slated for 4:00 p.m.