The Griffin men's soccer team began their 2021 season with a home non conference matchup with the District of Columbia on Friday afternoon.  SHU trailed 1-0 early in the contest and rallied for a 2-1 lead before scoring the game winner with just over three minutes to play in a 3-2 season opening win for the Griffins.  

In the eighth minute, the Firebirds took a 1-0 lead over the Griffins with a chip over the keeper from the top of the box.  The Griffins were able to tie the match at one with just over ten minutes to play in the first half.  Anthony Panko picked up a loose ball in front of the net after the Firebirds defender and keeper misplayed a ball and Panko deposited it into the empty net.  UDC held a 7-3 advantage in shots and a 3-1 advantage in corners in the first half.  

It did not take the Griffins long into the second half to take a 2-1 lead.  Just 1:31 into the half, Panko finished a pass from Fletcher Amos for his second of the game which put the Griffins in front.  

The Firebirds took advantage of a corner late in the half, scoring off a header to tie the game at two with 4:33 to play in the game.  Just a minute later, Mike Figueroa and Wilfred Munn executed a perfect give and go with Figueroa scoring to put the Griffins back in front 3-2.  SHU keeper Bobby White made a big save in the final minute to preserve the SHU lead.

Panko led SHU with two goals with Figueroa adding one.  Amos and Munn each added an assist.  White finished with five saves in net to earn the win.

SHU will travel to Alderson Broaddus on Sunday afternoon.