WASHINGTON - American University men's soccer team got off to a great start in the 2002 season as the Eagles topped Howard, 5-0, in the D.C. College Cup. Five different players scored goals for American as Michael Behonick and Thomas Myers combined for the clean sheet in goal.

American (1-0) scored in the ninth minute of the game as Peter Philipakos touched the ball to Andrew Herman who buried it in the lower left corner of the goal. AU kept the pressure on Howard (0-1) in the first half and Kris Bertsch added to the Eagle lead as he collected a misplayed ball by the Bison goalkeeper and scored on the empty net. American closed the scoring in the first half as Philipakos headed a Shawn Kuykendall corner kick into the goal in the 33rd minute.

Howard had their best opportunity of the match early in the second half as Taj Alvaranga made a run down the field just over two minutes into the half. AU's Larry McDonald was able to stop Alvaranga at the top of the box and end the threat.

The Eagles kept the pressure on the Bison throughout the second half, but were unable to add to their lead until the 82nd minute. McDonald passed the ball on the side to Michael Grinsfelder who made a quick centering pass. Melvin Espinal made one touch to bury the ball in the net. AU closed the scoring in the 90th minute as Gordon Templeman notched his first career goal off of passes from Espinal and David Marut.

The AU defense was solid in posting the shutout. McDonald was joined in the backfield by Sean Albright, Charlie Koniver, David Pryor and Robert Rezek as the Eagles did not allow Howard a shot on goal and only seven shots in the game. Neither American keeper was forced to make a save in the match. Howard's Jimmy Hernandez saved ten shots.

In the first match off the day, George Washington defeated Georgetown, 3-1.

The Eagles play their final match in the D.C. College Cup on Sunday against Georgetown at 2:30 p.m. The match will be held on Reeves Field.