Wilson, N.C.----The Barton College Bulldogs opened the 2014 season with a 3-0 victory over the visiting Bulldogs of Wingate University in NCAA Division II men's soccer action Thursday night. Barton starts the season 1-0, while Wingate is 0-1 overall.

The hosts got on the board 16 minutes into the contest when Kevin Strassburger scored on an Eric Pajunk assist.

After intermission and a lightning delay early in the second half, the hosts took a 2-0 lead in the 73rd minute when Dante De Luca found the back of the net.

Barton struck again five minutes later, making the final margin 3-0 when Alex David netted a goal.

Thursday night marked the fourth consecutive year that Wingate and Barton have met in a season opener. Last season, it was Wingate starting the season with a 3-0 home victory.

Wingate finished the night with an 11-7 edge in shots, while Barton held a 5-2 advantage in shots on goal. Freshman defender James Scott (Newcastle, England) led Wingate with a pair of shots on the night. Jens Madsen Hordvik had a pair of saves for Barton, while sophomore Stephen Banick (Pickerington, Ohio) registered a pair of saves for the visiting Bulldogs.

Wingate is back in action Saturday, hosting Emmanuel (Ga.) at 4 p.m.