GREENSBORO, N.C.- The Greensboro College men's soccer team defeated the Monarchs of Methodist University in the first round of the USA South Conference Tournament Saturday, 4-1.
 
Greensboro struck for the first goal of the contest in the eighth minute. Jordy Briceno delivered a perfect ball to Jacob Owens, who then put it in the bottom left corner of the goal.
 
Nineteen minutes later, the Pride began to force their way back into Monarchs' territory and Gerardo Peraza set up for a free kick.
 
Peraza then booted the ball towards the goal, where Darli Mihindou ran onto it and snuck in a header past Methodist's keeper for the last goal of the half.
 
The game broke open with back-to-back goals from Carlos Barragan within just five minutes of each other. Assisting Barragan with those two goals were Jordy Briceno and Samuel Linker.
 
Barragan's second goal and the Pride's last goal of the game was his 16^th of the season.
 
Methodist continued to fight and tacked on the last goal of the game in the 71^st minute.
 
"Overall I thought we played well and started the game off really well," Head Coach Tony Falvino said. "We capitalized off of a lot of opportunities and we created chances. Methodist changed the formation to try to push forward, but I think the guys dealt with it and recognized it early. Apart from a couple of hiccups, our back line gave a great performance.
 
"It's good for us to continue to win so that our younger guys can get some playoff experience and so that we can send off our seniors on a good note."
 
The men's soccer team will return to action in the semifinals of the USA South Conference Tournament Friday. For more information on Greensboro College men's soccer, continue to follow www.greensborocollegesports.com.