Box Score TAYLORSVILLE, Utah (August 23, 2018) - The expectations for the Salt Lake Community College men's soccer team are high to start the 2018 season.

After all, the Bruins are receiving votes in the NJCAA national poll for the first time as a program, sitting just outside of the national rankings. SLCC started its season on Thursday against Western Nebraska Community College, beginning a new era in the program's history as Salt Lake played its first official match at Zions Bank Stadium. Playing in the professional venue had a positive impact on the Bruins, who earned a 3-2 victory to start the season at 1-0.

Salt Lake started hot, taking a 2-0 lead just minutes into the match. First, it was Aaron Martinez who picked up a goal in the fourth minute, followed closely behind by Innocent Twishime. The Bruins would take a 3-0 lead after an Esteban Celis goal in the 45th minute, a lead that would get tested as Western Nebraska scored two late goals. However, SLCC played well defensively to close out the match.

Bruins coach Mark Davis said he was greatly pleased with the season-opening win.

"Today we came out hot with two early goals and a goal late in the first half," he said. "They (Western Nebraska) had a great player that scored two goals in the second half, but I'm proud of how the boys showed great determination to hold them off and grind out a win."

Salt Lake will play another non-conference match at Zions Bank Stadium Saturday, hosting Northeastern Junior College. The match is scheduled to start at 5:00 p.m.