The Aurora University men's lacrosse team won their 2020 season opener with a 10-8 road win over the Augustana College Vikings. The Spartans battled back and forth with the Vikings all game, but a five goal day by Jimmy Gorecki was the difference and the Spartans walked away with the win. 

GAME INFORMATION
FINAL SCORE: Aurora University 10, Augustana College 8
RECORDS: Aurora University 1-0 overall; Augustana College 0-3
LOCATION: Rock Island, Ill
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Braden Toll got the Spartans on the board and out to a 1-0 lead with a goal at the 9:14 mark in the first quarter, The goal was assisted by Jameson Morrison. 
- Augustana responded with three consecutive first quarter goals, and led 3-1 with 5:28 to play in the first.
- The Spartans answered with a 2 goal run of their own, with Braden Toll and Dan Lada tallying goals for the Spartans and tying the game 3-3 with 1:25 to go in the quarter.
- The Vikings would again take the lead, 4-3, on an Auggie unassisted goal with seconds remaming in the first quarter, 
- Jimmy Gorecki scored his first goal of the game at the 13:20 mark in the second quarter, again tying the game at 4-4.
- Less than a minute later, the Vikings again captured the lead, 5-4, as another unassisted goal found the back of the Spartan net.
- Jimmy Gorecki evened the score at 5-5 with 3:55 reamaining in the half. 
- The Spartans outscored the Vikings 3-1 in the third quarter, Harrison Canaday, Jimmy Gorecki and Braden Toll suppling the Spartan firepower. 
- Going into the fourth quarter, the Spartans led the Vikings 8-6. After over nine minutes of scoreless action, Auggie cut the Spartan lead to one on a goal with 5:53 to play in the game.
- Jimmy Gorecki put the Spartans back in front by three, when he scored two of his five goals on the day, giving the Spartans a 10-7 edge with 4:11 to play.
- Auggie was able to score again at the 3:50 mark, but it was not enough as the Spartans would go on to win 10-8.

SPARTAN TEAM LEADERS
Points: Jimmy Gorecki (5) and Braden Toll (5)
Goals: Jimmy Gorecki (5), Braden Toll (3), Harrison Canada (1) and Dan Lada (1)
Assists: Braden Toll (2), Jameson Morrison (2), Harrison Canada (1) and Kellen Moczynski (1)
Ground balls: Joseph Dey (6) and Ryan Griffin (4)
Caused Turnovers: Dan Lada (4)
Saves: Phillip Gianelle (12)
 
UP NEXT
Next action for the Spartan men's lacrosse team comes on Wednesday, February 26 when they travel to Illinois Wesleyan College. Game time is set for 7:30 p.m. in Bloomington, Ill.