Drew University Athletics

MADISON, N.J. – Sophomore Kevin Martinez netted his first collegiate hat trick, scoring three times in the opening 17 minutes to power the Drew University men's soccer team to a 5-1 win over Hunter College in its season opener and the consolation match of the Drew/FDU Fall Festival on Sunday in Ranger Stadium.
 
Martinez' hat trick was the first by a Ranger since teammate Kevin Kiernan scored three times in a 5-0 victory over DeSales University on Sept. 27 of last season.
 
The victory marked win No. 399 at Drew for 31st-year Head Coach Lenny Armuth.
 
Kiernan added one goal and one assist for the Rangers while senior Lazlo Stauss netted his first collegiate goal.
 
In the championship match, FDU-Florham defeated Kean University 5-1.
 
Martinez wasted little time putting the Rangers on the scoreboard. Less than two minutes into the contest, junior Jared Brown ripped a shot from the right side that was deflected by the keeper before Martinez swooped in and drilled the loose ball inside the left post.
 
Kiernan made things happen in the ninth minute with a brilliant sequence, starting with a takeaway in front of the Drew bench. He then worked past two defenders up the right sideline before leading Martinez with a great pass around two defenders. Martinez made one touch before slotting a shot back into the left side of the goal as the Rangers went up 2-0.
 
Martinez saved his most impressive goal for last, sending home a bicycle kick off a cross from sophomore Nate Keller in the 17th minute.
 
Kiernan capped the first-half scoring for the Rangers, as he one-timed a deflection from 20 yards out.
 
The Hawks scored their lone goal in the 66th minute before Stauss got into the act, drilling in a penalty kick in the 72nd minute.
 
The Rangers outshot Hunter 29-7 for the game.
 
Graduate student David Hoyt started in goal for the Rangers and did not face a shot on goal in the opening half. Freshman Cameron Zutic played the second period and turned aside three shots.
 
Drew continues its season on Wednesday, when it hosts Western Connecticut State University at 7 p.m in another non-conference affair.