ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Macalester College men's soccer team used solid defense and timely goals to defeat Linfield College, 3-0 in the season opener for both teams Friday night at John Leaney Field at Macalester Stadium. The Scots have won their past five season openers and haven't lost their first game of the season since 2013.

In the 20th minute Macalester broke through. Senior midfielder Ondieki Maina (Kensington, Calif./El Cerrito) collected the ball at midfield and sent the ball through to junior forward Zach Liptzin (Denver, Colo./Northfield). Liptzin avoided a defender and fired a shot inside the right post for a 1-0 lead.
 
The Scots maintained a one-goal advantage into the second half. In the 71st minute, first year midfielder Gaven Johnson (Harrison, Ohio/William Henry Harrison) sent a ball from the right side through to the back post, right on the foot of first year midfielder Milan Shah (Chicago, Ill./Francis W. Parker). Shah hit it with his first touch into the back of the goal for a 2-0 lead. Less than seven minutes later, Macalester added an insurance goal by sophomore midfielder Jonathan Kim (San Diego, Calif./Torrey Pines) off an assist by senior defender Alex Beck-Ruiz (Oakland, Calif./Bishop O'Dowd).

Junior goalkeeper Drew Moseman (St. Paul, Minn./Central) started and made two saves in the first half. First year Justin Ratner (Dallas, Texas/Highland Park) played the second half and made one save to preserve the shutout. The Scots out-shot the Wildcats, 11-7 in the win.

Macalester plays another non-conference home game on Sunday, Aug. 31 against St. Norbert. the match starts at 12:00 p.m. at John Leaney Field at Macalester Stadium.