Fullerton, CA – The Hope International men's soccer team (1-0) opened up their season with a 2-0 upset victory over the Southern Oregon University Raiders (RV) on Thursday evening at the OC Great Park in Irvine, CA.

The Royals stormed out of the gates as freshman Henoc Samba fed a great ball across the box to Miguel Flores who finished into the corner to put the Royals up 1-0 just one minute into the game. From there the game settled down as both teams created failed to create any more chances as the Royals went into halftime up 1-0. The Raiders came out of halftime on the front foot as they created several opportunities on the counter. Things became harder when Jesus Vargas was sent off after a key defensive stop earned him a second yellow, but it was the Royals who scored as Dario Robles delivered a wonderful free kick off the bar to extend the Royals lead to 2-0. From there the Raiders continued to fight with the Royals down a man but the Royals stood strong as they came away with a 2-0 win. Milton Herrera and Oscar Sierra combined for four saves in the shutout victory.

The Royals continue their season on the road as they take on SOKA on Saturday, August 27 at 5:30 PM