ADRIAN, Mich. -- The Adrian College men's soccer team played its home opener on Saturday night as the Bulldogs hosted Heidelberg University. Adrian struck late in the second half to come away with a 1-0 victory to secure its first win of the season.

The game started slow with no scoring in the first half. The Bulldogs racked up eight shots landing two on goal with a pair of corner kicks. Heidelberg landed all four of its first half shots on goal, but goaltender Jackson Vacca was there to make the saves.

In the second half, Heidelberg had a chance to take the lead on a penalty kick, but Vacca was there to make a diving save a keep the game tied at 0-0. Late in the second period, Owen Emert took the ball deep into Heidelberg territory a gave a pass to Gavan Bignall who was there to put in in the back of the net in the 88th minute to take a late 1-0 lead.

The Bulldogs held on for the final two minutes and moved to 1-0 on the season.

"This team is working on figuring out its identity," said head coach Mike Hatfield. "We took another few steps forward tonight as individuals and a team. There were a lot of moments that we had to do some really nice things to keep the game close and many guys stepped up to do it."

Bignall's goal marked the first of the season for the Bulldogs after not scoring in their opening match against Siena Heights earlier in the week. Vacca recorded his first win of the season in goal while making six saves.

Adrian has a busy week ahead with three matches at home beginning on Tuesday, September 6 when they host Spring Arbor University at 7:00 PM at Docking Stadium.