RIVER FOREST, Ill. – In Thursday's opening game, the University of Chicago men's soccer team posted its best season-opening offensive performance in a decade with a 4-0 triumph at Dominican University.

The No. 23-ranked Maroons (1-0) scored their most goals ever against the Stars (0-1) in 13 all-time meetings. Their previous high was two goals in 2014. The last time UChicago scored four goals in its season debut came in 2006 – a 4-1 decision over Kalamazoo College.

Both teams entered Thursday coming off matching 12-5-3 seasons in 2015. The Maroons made it to the second round of the NCAA postseason for the second-straight year. One of the keys to last year's offense was forward Max Lopez, who provided six goals and three assists as a freshman.

Lopez quickly found his way into the scoring column only 14:12 into the match. The sophomore pounced on a turnover and knocked the ball in from 18 yards. Later in the 34th minute, UChicago extended its lead to 2-0 on a strike to the far post from six yards by senior midfielder Chris Mathis. He was assisted on the play by freshman forward Dayo Adeosun and sophomore defender Josh Scofield.

The visiting Maroons went into the break with the two-goal advantage and a 6-4 shot edge. Early in the second half, Dominican forced three-straight corner kicks in a span of two-and-a-half minutes. UChicago defenders stood tall, however, to keep the hosts off the scoreboard.

Lopez struck again in the 68th minute, this time on a header straight off a corner kick from sophomore midfielder Nicco Capotosto. Only a minute later, Lopez hit the crossbar with a shot. UChicago closed out the scoring at 71:37 when Adeosun netted his first collegiate goal by sliding the ball under the goalkeeper. Junior midfielder Andre Abedian earned the assist on a long ball.

Shots ended in favor of UChicago 14-6, while the corner kicks went to Dominican by a 10-5 tally. Junior goalkeeper Hill Bonin (1-0) swallowed up two shots for saves to earn the shutout victory.

NEXT MATCH:

• Saturday, Sept. 3 – University of Texas-Dallas at UChicago, 1 PM