MOUNT VERNON – George Archer and Aidan Lerch scored two goals apiece as Cornell's men's soccer team blitzed past Beloit, 4-0, in Saturday's Midwest Conference opener for both teams on Youth Day.
 
The Rams (3-5 overall, 1-0 MWC) ended a five-match slide and secured their fourth consecutive series win over the visiting Buccaneers (1-9 overall, 0-1 MWC).
 
Cornell goalkeepers Will Bickel and Jeremy Spina combined for the team's third shutout of the season. Bickel drew the start and recorded three saves in 69 minutes. Spina came on in relief and had a pair of saves.
 
Archer played a hand in both of Cornell's first-half goals as the Rams staked a 2-0 lead at intermission. The Rams' all-time scoring leader converted a penalty kick in the 30th minute, and three minutes later, he assisted on a goal by Lerch to give the Rams early momentum.
 
Archer netted an unassisted goal at the 64-minute mark, his team-leading fifth score of the season.
 
Lerch put a stamp on the victory with his fourth goal of the fall in the 74th minute. He was assisted by senior Eddie Garces.
 
The Rams finished with 18 shots in the contest and held a 7-2 advantage in corner kick chances.
 
Coming up – The Rams play host to rival Coe for the annual Bremner Cup match at 4:15 p.m. Wednesday.