Hounds trounce Mesa State

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — Sophomore forward Emerson Rodrigues scored a pair of goals and the Eastern New Mexico University men’s soccer team dominated Mesa State 5-1 on Sunday.

Rodrigues’ first goal came on a header off a crossing pass from sophomore midfielder Edward Bear with about 15 minutes left in the opening half, giving the Greyhounds (3-2-2) a 2-0 lead. His goal off a free kick with about 35 minutes left, extending ENMU’s lead to 3-1.

The Brazilian-born Rodrigues now has three multiple-goal outings this season and has scored seven of the Hounds’ 14 goals. No one else has scored more than two.

The Mavericks (7-3) had won five of six matches coming in and were ranked 23rd in the NCAA Division II national poll in mid-September.

Senior defender Michael James gave the Hounds the lead in the 21st minute with an unassisted goal. Senior forward Jared Morris and freshman midfielder Odilon Garcia added goals in the final 20 minutes.

Senior Grant Shanahan, making his first start in goal for the Hounds, allowed a goal by the Mavericks’ Marco Angelo late in the first half. He finished with five saves.