Saturday's start to the 2024 regular season was a good one for the Bear Men's Soccer team as an early goal helped build momentum especially on the defensive side, in a 1-0 win over Jacksonville College in Texas.
 
"We had them on their heels," Southwest head coach Zach Mills said. "It was great for our first game. We were really happy that we could get a win."
 
In addition to battling the Jaguars, the Bears (1-0) found themselves battling the elements as the searing Texas heat led to multiple stoppages for water breaks and some players dealing with cramping.
 
The Bears jumped ahead early on as a penalty in the 9^th minute gave Southwest an opportunity at a penalty kick. Sophomore Sergio Padin delivered, putting the ball in the back of the net giving the Bears a 1-0 lead.
 
For the remainder of the match, the Bear defense and freshman goalkeeper John Sones shined. Sones went the distance in the goal and finished with three saves on the afternoon.
 
Southwest will be back in action on Monday as they wrap their Texas road trip against Paris Junior College at Noon.