ST. LOUIS, MO. – The Kentucky Wesleyan College men's soccer team open the season in dramatic fashion on Thursday evening. The Panthers return home with a 1-0 decision over the University of Missouri – St. Louis. 
 
Soufian Khaloufi earned a clean sheet on a Thursday at Don Dallas Field. Khaloufi was challenged twice in the open period and made both saves. The Tritons (0-1) out-shot the Panthers 5-2 through the first 45 minutes of play. 
 
The Tritons were able to push through the Panthers (1-0) defense in the 56^th minute. As they tried to redirect Khaloufi, but the shot crossed in front of the Wesleyan goal and made square contact with the right post. 
 
As the intensity continued to build, the Panthers looked to score on a corner kick. However,  Calum Newson was dragged down in the box and awarded a penalty kick in the 84^th minute. Newson fired center and connected to give Wesleyan a 1-0 lead. 
 
The drama did not stop there as two minutes later, the Tritons were awarded a penalty kick in the same fashion as the Panthers. This time Khaloufi dove to the right to deflected and gain possession of the ball to keep UMSL scoreless. 
 
UMSL's last chance to find the equalizer was blocked in the 89^th minute. It is the fifth season opening win for Wesleyan in the last six years. Newson finished the match with three shots and one goal. Braden Meyers-Curry took two shots, one on goal. Khaloufi made four saves. 
 
The Panthers will return home on Sunday to host Missouri Science and Technology. Last season Wesleyan defeated the Miners 3-1 in Rolla. The match at Panther Field is scheduled for 2PM. 
 
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