ABILENE -- The UT Tyler men's soccer team won its American Southwest Conference opener, 2-1, over McMurry on Friday evening at Edwards Field courtesy of goals from Jake Urbaniak and Alonso Rivera.

The win improves the Patriots record to 4-1 overall on the season.

UT Tyler scored its first goal in the 34th minute with a beautiful shot by Urbaniak who received the cross from Victor Almendariz and put it past McMurry keeper Zack Brewer. The goal was Urbaniak's third on the season, which leads the team.

After the half, the Patriots added to their lead in the 59th minute on a breakaway goal by freshman Alonso Rivera, his first on the season. Rivera was able to beat the Warhawk defense, and find the back of the net to give the Patriots a 2-0 lead.

McMurry (1-3, 0-1) was able to cut the UT Tyler lead to 2-1 in the 61st minute on a goal by Ian McCarthy. McCarthy shot the ball past Patriot goalkeeper Sergio Gardea who was challenged very little throughout the match.

UT Tyler out-shot the War Hawks, 18-5, in the match. Urbaniak finished with three shots on goal while Jesus Mortero added two more.

The Patriots will hit the pitch again on Saturday in Abilene against Hardin-Simmons.