Senior forward Josh Kirkland continued his torrid scoring pace with a pair of first half goals in leading the University of Mary Washington men's soccer team to a 3-2 victory on Saturday before thousands of fans at the Battleground for Homecoming. The Eagles improve to 9-3-2 on the season.

UMW quickly seized command in the game, as junior Julian Schmugge timed a one touch out of the air on a Carter Berg assist just 1:11 into the game. The Eagles added to the lead at 11:52, as Kirkland connected on a Berg assist for his conference-leading 14th goal of the season.

Christopher Newport joined the fireworks with their first tally in the 18th minute, and then tied the score at 2-2 in the 21st minute. Kirkland put the Eagles back on top to stay in the 26th minute on a pass from Nelsar Castillo.

After the early scoring barrage, both defenses settled in from there, and the 3-2 score stood to the final horn.

CNU led in shots, 14-6, while the Eagles led in corner kicks, 9-6. UMW senior goalkeeper Griffin Hemmendinger made nine saves in picking up the win.

The Eagles will be back in action on Wednesday, when they visit Salisbury University at 3:30 p.m. in another Coast-to-Coast Athletic Conference matchup.