CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Queens University of Charlotte men's soccer team opened their season this evening at home against Belmont Abbey College winning 3-1 over the Crusaders.
 
After getting off to a late start due to inclement weather, the action in today's game would come in the second half following a scoreless first period.   
 
Belmont Abbey put tonight's first goal on the board in the 53^rd minute when Mekhi Honore fed a through ball to Mark Trompeter by way of a header. Trompeter then chipped the ball over Queens goalkeeper Sergio Lemus into an empty net to give the visiting Crusaders a 1-0 lead.
 
However, the goal from the Crusaders would be their only one of the game as the Royals found three in the final minutes of regulation to take the win. Queens' first goal would come from Dudu Campos not long after the junior midfielder entered the game. Campos would sneak up on the far side to slide the ball into the net behind Belmont Abbey goalkeeper Wes Holifield after receiving a cross from Michael James on the right side of the field.
 
The Royals' second goal came from senior forward Ryan Ejezie who collected a cross in the box from fellow senior Corey Brown. Ejezie would one touch the ball in the back right corner of the net to score tonight's game winner in the 76^th minute. Ejezie then followed his score up with an insurance goal in the 87^th to help secure the victory for Queens.
 
Queens outshot the Crusaders 18-11 this evening, putting seven shots on goal. Lemus took the win in goal after totaling six saves, while Belmont Abbey's Holifield totaled four saves in the loss.
 
The Royals will be back in action on Sunday at Limestone College at 7 p.m. Last season, the Royals fell 4-3 to the Saints at home.