Washington, D.C. - The Jared Welsh era began Friday for the Regent University Men's Soccer team, as the Royals kicked off their 2025 campaign against Gallaudet University in the Tristan Torbett Classic in the Nation's Capital.  Coming off a record-breaking season, Regent was looking to start the season off on a positive note.  The Royals were coming into the weekend with what many believe to be the most talented team in program history.     

After some back-in-forth to begin the first half, Regent found their footing on offense when Senior Graylan Gill (Beaverdam, VA) crossed a free kick into the back of the net for the first goal of the game, giving the Royals the lead, 1-0.  Unfortunately, the Bison would tie the game after a rebound off a penalty kick at the 21:06 mark and that is how the first half would end with the score, 1-1.   

The offense came alive in the first five minutes of the second half as Gill took a pass from Junior Yann-Olivier Kamga (Woodbridge, VA) and snuck a shot by the keeper, which was followed by a Junior Isaiah Morris (Harrisonburg, VA) successful penalty kick, at the 41:35 mark, to give the Royals the lead 3-1.  Ten minutes later, Morris sent a perfect cross to Sophomore Austin Johns (Middleburgh, NY), who found the goal to increase the lead to 4-1.  Gallaudet had another penalty kick opportunity, but Junior Connor Henriques (Spotsylvania, VA) stood tall in the net and denied the Bison the score, allowing Regent to come away with the season opening win, 4-1. 

Gill finished the game with two goals, while Henriques tuned away 3 shots, including the penalty kick save.  As a team, the Royals finished with 24 shots, with 18 of them being on goal.  The win marks Coach Welsh's first career collegiate head coaching win. 

Regent will be back in action on Saturday August 30th for Day Two of the classic as they face Mid-Atlantic Christian University.  Kick-off is set for 11:00am.