The 2014 season opening contest for the Aurora University men's soccer team also marked the first regular season game for first-year Head Coach Ryan Lakin as the leader of the Spartans. His Spartans did not disappoint, defeating Monmouth College 2-0 in Monmouth, Illinois.

The AU defense and senior goalkeeper Chris Donner played well while earning the shutout win to give Lakin his first win as a Spartan. In the winning effort, Donner made three saves while the Spartans out shot Monmouth 15 to 6.

AU senior Jason O'Brien got the Spartans on the scoreboard in the 34th minute with an assist from sophomore Nick Cataldi. The goal would be the lone tally of the first half as the Spartans carried a 1-0 advantage into halftime.

In the 59th minute, junior Miguel Barajas gae the Spartans a two goal advantage with his first of the season which came off an assist from freshman Jacob Goekring.

Donner and the defense held strong in the waining minutes to preserve the win and give the Spartans a 1-0 record on the year.

Next action for the Spartan men's soccer team comes on Sunday, August 31 when they host Lawrence University. Game time is set for 4:30 p.m. on Vago Field.