MOUNT VERNON – Cornell's men's soccer team returned to its winning ways – and in a big way – with Saturday's 6-1 nonconference blowout of Buena Vista on the Rams' home turf.
 
Sophomore George Archer netted his first collegiate hat trick, fueling the Rams (6-4-1 overall) to their highest goal output in a match in 13 years.
 
Cornell outshot the Beavers (0-10-2) by a decisive 24-4 margin, 13 of the attempts on goal. The Rams scored three times in the initial 22 minutes and the rout was on.
 
Andrew Lopez put the Rams on the scoreboard in the 10th minute. Four minutes later, Lopez assisted Zach Miller on a goal that made it 2-0.
 
Archer started his big offensive day by converting a penalty kick in the 22nd minute as the lead ballooned to 3-0. Archer delivered his second penalty kick of the match – and fourth of the season – early in the second half that put Cornell ahead 4-1.
 
Archer tacked on an unassisted goal at the 63-minute mark. It was his team-leading sixth score of the season.
 
Senior Galen Westervelt jumped into the scoring act in the 73rd minute, notching his first goal of the fall.   
 
Will Bickel earned the win at goalkeeper, working 45 scoreless minutes. Jeremy Spina and Floris Huiskers shared time in net in the second half to finish off the Beavers.
 
Archer led Cornell's attack with seven shots, followed by Gaurab Khadka with five and Aidan Lerch with four.
  
Coming up – The Rams (1-2 MWC) play host to Illinois College (0-3 MWC) at 4:15 p.m. Wednesday.