SALEM – The Southern Oregon men's soccer team made itself at home at Willamette University's Sparks Field after wildfire smoke forced a move away from Raider Stadium, notching a 2-1 victory over Embry-Riddle (Ariz.) in non-conference play Saturday afternoon.
The Raiders got both of their goals, from Sky Charley-Bolyard and Evan Norconk, in the first half and limited the Eagles to one shot on goal all match to bump their record to 2-0.
The Eagles – who won the California Pacific Conference in 2022 and received votes in the NAIA preseason coaches' poll, sitting at No. 28 overall – fell to 1-2. They got within striking distance in the 72nd minute when Kristian Bielicki assisted Alex Frances's goal but generated only one shot the rest of the way.
Charley-Bolyard, a junior midfielder, scored his second career goal in the 13th minute to put the Raiders in front, following up his initial shot that was stopped by Elias Ammon with a tap-in.
In the 33rd minute, Alan Gaytan crossed from the right side to Norconk, a junior forward, for a 10-yard attempt that he converted for his first goal of the year and the 10th of his career. He delivered just two minutes after coming on to the pitch.
The Raiders logged 10 shots on the day. Charley-Bolyard and Norconk accounted for the only ones on target with two apiece.
Dating back to last season, SOU is unbeaten in 14 of its last 15 games with wins in 12 of them.
The Raiders will play three more before starting Cascade Conference play, traveling to Arizona next for games on Sept. 2 at Arizona Christian and Sept. 4 at Ottawa.