Baltimore, Md. - The William & Mary(m) Tribe men’s soccer team opened the season on a winning note, beating Loyola on the road, 3-1. With the victory, the Tribe opens the 2010 campaign with a 1-0 record, while the Greyhounds fall to 0-1-1 on the year.

Notching goals for the Tribe on Tuesday night were senior Ryan Snyder, junior Nicolas Abrigo, and freshman Roshan Patel. Tallying assists for the College in the Tribe’s season-opening win were senior Jimmy Carroll and redshirt-sophomore Ben Anderson.

Early in the first half against the Greyhounds, the Tribe found itself in an early hole after Loyola was granted a penalty kick after a foul on William and Mary. Loyola’s Phil Bannister netted the PK for the Greyhounds, giving the hosts an early 1-0 lead.

Despite falling behind early, the Tribe continued its offensive attack. Finally, in the 36th minute, the College would find the equalizer. From 30 yards out, Patel had a nice look on goal. The rookie fired a shot, beating the keeper in the upper-right corner. Patel’s first career goal tied the match at 1-1 with nine minutes left in the half.

Just seven minutes later, the Tribe would strike again, taking a 2-1 lead in the 43rd minute. With the Tribe on the offensive, Anderson delivered a great pass to Snyder at the top of the 18-yard box. Snyder turned quickly, beating a pair of Loyola defenders and netted a shot just over the reach of the Loyola goalie. Snyder’s third career goal on Anderson’s first career assist gave W&M a 2-1 lead heading in to halftime.

At the break, the Tribe held a 6-5 lead in shots over the Greyhounds. The College also held an advantage in shots on goal in the first 45 minutes, getting three on frame to Loyola’s two.

In the second half, the Greyhounds relentlessly attacked the Tribe’s defense, looking to get the equalizer. In the final frame, Loyola fired 14 shots at the College’s goal, getting six on frame. W&M goalkeeper Andrew McAdams withstood the attack, however, making six saves on the night while allowing just the penalty kick goal.

In the 88th minute, the Tribe clinched the victory with a third score. After a Loyola corner kick, the College quickly countered. Carroll delivered a beautiful long through ball to Abrigo, hitting the junior in stride. Abrigo cracked a shot, beating the Loyola keeper from 12 yards out in the lower right corner. Abrigo’s first career goal on Carroll’s first assist of the season gave the Green and Gold its winning 3-1 advantage.

For the match, Loyola out-shot the College, 19-11, getting eight shots on frame to W&M’s five. Corner kicks were 7-2 in favor of the Greyhounds. The Tribe’s victory over Loyola marked the third time in four years that the College has opened the season with a win.

The William and Mary Tribe men’s soccer team will continue its season-opening four-match road trip on Friday, September 10 when the Tribe takes on West Virginia in the first match of the ODU/Stihl Soccer Classic. Kickoff in Norfolk, Virginia is scheduled for 4:30 p.m.