BEREA, Ohio – The Baldwin Wallace University men's soccer team opened up its 2026 season by virtue of defeating the Allegheny University of Pennsylvania Gators on the turf of George Finnie Stadium by a final score of 2-1 behind two goals scored by
Robbie Rochford as the team moves to 1-0 on the season. It was the first time they opened their season at home in five seasons and their first of nine home matches for the season. It is their first season-opening win since 2022.
Game Recap
The game started with both teams being scoreless in the first 30 minutes of play.
Rochford connected on a shot from the right side of the field to give the Brown and Gold a 1-0 lead which they held at the half.
Nathan Gray came in on the assist for the goal. In a first half that was closely contested, each team totaled four shots throughout the first 45 minutes of play. Furthermore, corner kicks were tied at three and the Gators had four fouls in contrast to the Yellow Jackets' three.
In the second half,
Rochford converted for his second goal of the game, giving the Yellow Jackets a 2-0 lead.
Cimi Halilaj came in on the assist, who had just one assist all of last year.
Allegheny made things interesting by scoring a goal in the 64th minute to cut the lead to 2-1. In addition, they also took 12 shots while the Brown and Gold only took five, and six in the final 12 minutes but after a trio of throw-ins in the final minute, the Yellow Jackets were able to run the clock out to get off to a 1-0 start.
The Matchup
Tonight's matchup was the 18th all-time meeting between the Yellow Jackets and the Gators. BW has a slight lead in the series of 9-7-2.
Looking Ahead
The Yellow Jackets are back in action on Friday, September 4th for the first of five straight games away from home when they take on the Grove City College Wolverines. Kickoff is slated for 6:30 p.m.
