Wilmington, NC – Sophomore forward Gunder Miller drilled an electrifying goal from the midfield line to give the UMBC men's soccer team an unbelievable 2-1 victory over the UNC Wilmington Seahawks in the season-opener for both teams on Thursday evening.
 
"The guys had a gutty performance against an excellent and well-coached UNC Wilmington team," said UMBC head coach Anthony Adams. "It was a great experience for a lot of new players. We will build on this and get ready for our home opener on Monday night."
 
The game appeared headed for a draw until Miller's tiebreaking score from distance pushed UMBC ahead 2-1 with 4:44 left. The play started after a turnover by the hosts in the midfield. Miller collected the loose ball and then blasted a winner into the open net with Seahawks' goalie Trey Smiley 15 yards off his line.
 
The contest was tied through the first 42 minutes until the Retrievers' Branden Johns netted the first career UMBC goal on an assist by Matteo Samori to take a 1-0 advantage into halftime.

The Seahawks evened the game in the 66th minute on a penalty kick by senior Ethan Newsome after Jake Shannon was taken down in the box.

Emigdio Tormo Lopez made four big saves to earn the victory in goal.
 
UMBC will host Saint Peter's on Monday evening at Retriever Soccer Park.