PIPPA PASSES, Ky. – The Bluefield University men's soccer team opened the 2026 season in dominant fashion Friday evening, earning a 6-0 shutout victory over Alice Lloyd College on the road.
The victory marks the first win for head coach Ryan McCarty at the helm of the Rams.
The Rams (1-0-0) wasted little time finding the back of the net, scoring three goals in the opening 36 minutes to take a commanding 3-0 lead into halftime.
Freshman midfielder Leo Bascope opened the scoring just 1:40 into the contest, finding the back of the net unassisted to give Bluefield an early 1-0 advantage. Sophomore forward Ethan Ruiz doubled the lead in the ninth minute, with junior midfielder Owen Vang providing the assist.
Bluefield added its third goal of the opening half in the 36th minute when freshman defender Rooney Vang scored an unassisted goal, sending the Rams into the halftime break with a three-goal cushion.
Bascope continued his impressive night after halftime, completing his hat trick with goals in the 58th and 61st minutes. His second goal of the evening came unassisted before he completed the hat trick just three minutes later.
Freshman forward Aubrey Meekins Jr. capped the scoring in the 82nd minute, finding the back of the net off an assist from Bascope to give the Rams the final 6-0 margin.
Bascope led the Rams' offensive attack with six shots, including four on goal, while recording three goals and an assist. Ruiz added three shots and a goal, while Meekins Jr. and R. Vang each contributed a goal. Ruiz and O. Vang each registered an assist.
Freshman goalkeeper Michael Hiatt anchored the defensive effort, recording five saves to earn the shutout in his season debut. Bluefield finished the night with 13 shots, seven of which were on target, while holding Alice Lloyd to 10 total shots and three shots on goal.
Bluefield returns to action Tuesday, traveling to Greensboro College for a 6:00 p.m. kickoff.
