Wingate, N.C.----The 22nd-ranked Wingate University Bulldogs opened the 2015 season with a 2-0 victory over Barton College in NCAA Division II men's soccer action Thursday night. This marked the fifth consecutive year that Wingate and Barton have met in the season opener. The two teams also met in last year's NCAA Tournament, with Wingate prevailing 4-1. Wingate is 1-0 on the season, while Barton falls to 0-1.

The host Bulldogs came out aggressive, piling up eight shots in the opening 12 minutes. All-American forward Charlie Machell (Newcastle, England) got behind the defense in the second minute, but his shot was stopped by Barton goalkeeper Jens Madsen Hordvik. A chip shot from Aksel Juul (Newcastle, England) four minutes later beat the keeper, but hit the crossbar, keeping the match scoreless.

Wingate finally got on the board six minute before halftime. A free kick from senior Liam Gillesphey (Newcastle, England) from 30 yards out found sophomore Callum Ross (Newcastle, England), who headed one towards the middle, finding junior Alex Nelson (Newcastle, England) in front of the goal. The All-Region defender headed home his first goal of the year and his first goal since scoring in last year's home opener.

Wingate grabbed a two-goal lead just two minutes later. A high pass from senior midfielder Shaun Gadsby (Newcastle, England) into the box was headed by a Barton defender, getting over the keeper's head and into the net for an own goal, making it 2-0. The host Bulldogs outshot Barton 14-3 in the opening half.

The second half went scoreless, with Wingate holding a slim 6-5 edge in shots. The host Bulldogs ended the night with a 20-8 advantage in shots, with each team registering four shots on goal. Freshman Pablo Jara (Santiago, Chile) collected four saves to notch a shutout in his collegiate debut. Hordvik had three saves for Barton.

Wingate is back in action Saturday, hosting Flagler at 7 p.m. The 'Dogs wrap up a three-game home stand on Wednesday night, hosting UNC Pembroke at 7 p.m.