HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. – Freshman Matt Paterno had a goal and an assist to lead the Centenary University men's soccer team to a 4-0 win over Gwynedd Mercy University on Saturday in the Atlantic East Conference opener for both squads.

The win was the second straight shutout of the season for the Cyclones.

"It's great to open up play in the Atlantic East with a win," said head coach Josh Spivack. "Gwynedd Mercy was always going to battle strong and we knew we had to match them on that end. We were able to put the ball in the back of the net today and hope we can keep that momentum going forward."

The Cyclones applied the pressure early on and were finally able to break free in the 34th minute of the contest. Paterno collected a loose ball off a scramble in front of the net and knocked it into the low corner for the 1-0 advantage.

Just 2:02 later, the Cyclones added to their lead. Junior Mahir Yilmaz was taken down in the box and he converted the penalty kick opportunity. Yilmaz's team leading sixth goal of the season gave Centenary a 2-0 lead.

Junior Andrew Tarkazikis made one save in the first 45 minutes to help the Cyclones hold the advantage at the break.

Centenary added to its lead in the 48th minute as the Cyclones were awarded a throw-in. Paterno lofted the ball into the box and freshman Kevin Lopez knocked it home for his first career goal.

The Cyclones tacked on one more goal in the 84th minute. Senior Kenneth Pinedo was able to head home a ball that was inserted by fellow senior Stephen Zuluaga on the corner kick.

Those two second half goals helped Centenary secure the 4-0 victory.

Tarkazikis needed to make just the one save to secure the win in goal. John Wagner made seven saves in the loss for Gwynedd Mercy.

Centenary is back in action on Tuesday, Oct. 5 when it travels to Cabrini for a 7 p.m. contest.