NAMPA, Idaho--The Westminster men's soccer team kicked off to a good start to this season.  For their first game, the team traveled to Northwest Nazarene for two weekend games against Saint Martin's and Northwest Nazarene.  Senior Callen Sanderson and sophomores Brody Nelson and Kaden Amano all scored their first career goal to give the Griffins a 3-1 victory over the Saints.

The game got off to a slow start with a total of six shots, 3 corners and five saves between the teams.

The second half started quickly with a 47th minute Westminster goal from Nelson, assisted by Junior Danny Darelli and Sophomore Amit Hefer.  Less than two and a half minutes later, the Griffins went 2-0 up as Zach Nielsen assisted Sanderson .  Westminster dominated for the next 18 minutes with three corners, five shots and five fouls to the Saints lone shot and lone foul.  In the 69th minute, Amano found the back of the net and put the Griffins up 3-0.  The Saints were awarded a penalty kick a minute later and scored to deny Westminster the shutout.

Westminster out shot Saint Martin's 13 to six and took six corners, five more than the opposition.  Senior goalkeeper Max Medley came up with four saves and was close to earning a shutout.

Nine Griffins recorded at least one shot, with nine of the 13 shots on goal.  Hefer led the team with four shots and senior Hunter Kone took two

Westminster plays Northwest Nazarene, on Saturday at 12:30 p.m.  A link to live stats is available on the team's schedule webpage.