2011 Men's Soccer

MT. VERNON, Ga. - Simbarashe Zvaita scored a pair of goals - including one for the highlight reel - as the Freed-Hardeman Lions opened the 2010 season with a 3-1 win over Brewton-Parker (Ga.) College on Saturday afternoon.

The Lions went scoreless in both of their preseason scrimmages, but were able to put those struggles behind them when it counted.

"We struggled offensively in exhibitions but played well today," said FHU head coach Jason Elliott.  "We had a lot of chances to score in the first half."

Zvaita opened the scoring early after Guilherme Dorigo crossed the ball in from left of the box to Tafara Tinarwo, who chested the ball down right to Zvaita.  The junior struck the ball in stride into the back of the net to give the Lions an early lead in the 14th minute.

The Barons squared the match on an FHU own goal in the 47th minute when Archibold Marowa slid in in an attempt to clear the ball, but deflected it into his own net.

"It was a positive that they handled that adversity and bounced back from it," Elliott said.  "In previous years we probably would have folded."

The highlight of the match came a few minutes later on a goal that put FHU ahead for good.

Dorigo sent a through ball to Zvaita behind the BPC defense, but the ball was deflected to the left of the goal by the Barons' keeper.  The ball was touched by two more players before Zvaita placed himself underneath it and connected with a picture-perfect bicycle kick to the left post.  It was the sixth game-winning goal of his career.

The Lions got another well-executed goal in the 66th minute to complete the scoring.  Dorigo's cross from the left side went to Klyne Fawcett at the far post.  The freshman one-touched it back into the middle where Nolan Beede finished with a diving header.

Freed-Hardeman made the most of its chance, scoring three times on six shots on goal.  The Lions outshot BPC 9-1 for the match.  Hunter Yoches started in goal in place of junior Alexandre Girodo, who was sidelined as a precautionary measure from an injury sustained in practice.

"The defense played really well," said Elliott.  "[Brewton-Parker] didn't have many chances.  The guys are excited.  We played hard and we'll see if we can get another one Monday."

FHU returns to action on Monday as the Lions travel to Atlanta Christian College for a 3:00 PM match.