COLLEGEVILLE, Pa.– Eastern University Men's Soccer (2-3-1) scored in the third minute of the match, but the host Usinus College Bears equalized in the 10th minute and scored twice more in the first half to secure a 3-1 non-league win.

Evan Cope put the Eagles up on a big ball into space from Sam Provido. Cope's 22nd career tally is the first of the regular season. The senior from Jacksonville scored several goals in pre-season scrimmages, but also picked up a knock that ahs slowed him through the early part of the year.

Provido stepped in to stop a transition attempt and played a ball toward the right wing that slipped over the heads of the Ursinus defenders. Cope had worked his way back onside before the pass and worked into open space to score.

The unbeaten Bears (5-0-1) drew level on a shot from near the edge of the box that deflected and crawled into a lower corner. While the Bears' first goal barely crossed the line after a bit of fortune, the second Ursinus goal was brilliant. Simon Muther slammed a bending left-footed shot into the upper corner early in the 25th minute.

Ursinus doubled the lead late in the half on a misplayed back pass and some good pressure. The Bears put eight of their 11 first-half shots on goal. Cope's goal was the only Eastern shot on frame in the opening half.

Though the Eagles controlled the action and dominated the chances of the second half, they were never able to cut into the Ursinus lead.

Thought tonight was the first meeting between the two program's since 2010, the game did not lack energy, passion, or physicality. The two teams combined for 40 fouls and six yellow cards. The Bears committed double-digit fouls in both halves.

The Eagles will host Centenary College on Friday afternoon.