CHESTERTOWN, Md. - The Salisbury University men's soccer team opened the 2009 season with a convincing 4-0 victory at Washington College.

Just over eight minutes into the game, Ben Reed (Arnold, Md.) scored on a breakaway, beating multiple Shoremen defenders, to put home the first Sea Gull goal of the season.

Coach Gerry DiBartolo credited strong play by the defense as a key to the victory. That defensive unit was led by senior captain Justin McGrath (Perry Hall, Md.) and junior Casey Rector (Ellicott City, Md.), allowing Washington (0-1) just three shots in the match, none of which were on goal. The Shoremen had two corner kick chances.

Salisbury (1-0) took control of the game with a pair of Nick Malone (Salisbury, Md.) goals less than two minutes apart late in the first half. Salisbury took the 3-0 lead into halftime and senior Kyle Sterling (Salisbury, Md.) capped the scoring on a penalty kick three minutes into the second half.

Salisbury got good contributions from a number of players in the match, and moved the ball very well, DiBartolo said. That ball movement led to 24 shots in the game, 13 of which were on goal.

The Sea Gulls will host the Elmer Lord Classic this weekend at the SU Soccer Complex. Richard Stockton, Capital and St. Mary's will also participate in the event. Salisbury will take on Capital Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m., and Richard Stockton Sunday at 3 p.m.