SALT LAKE CITY — Westminster men's soccer hosted its first home match of the 2021 season, defeating Utah State University Eastern, 8-1, in an exhibition match at Dumke Field on Thursday.  The Griffins led 3-1 at halftime and put pressure on the USU Eastern net all second half, en route to seven-goal win over their cross-town competition.

The Griffins dominated possession from start to finish against USUE, finishing the match with 64 percent of the total possession in the match.  Westminster spent the majority of both halves around the Eagles' penalty area, directing a total of 29 shots with 13 shots hitting the target.

Luke Merrill played upwards of 70 minutes in the Griffins' exhibition, tallying one assist and one goal in addition to a number of dangerous runs behind the USU Eastern defense.  Westminster led 3-1 at the half and poured in five second-half goals to seal its home-opening, exhibition victory.

Westminster will return to play in another pre-season exhibition match this Saturday, Aug. 28, beginning at 7 p.m. (MDT) back at Dumke Field.