WASHINGTON, Pa. -- Two first-half goals by Christian Payne (South Park, Pa./South Park) helped guide the Washington & Jefferson men's soccer team to a 4-0 victory over Thiel in the Presidents' PAC opener on Senior Day. 

With the win, W&J improves to 3-5-1 overall and to 1-0-0 in conference play. Today's victory is the team's second-highest scoring output this year, trailing just its 10-0 triumph in the season opener against Hilbert. The Tomcats fall to 4-7-0 overall on the season. 

Payne had his way with the Thiel defense to start today's bout, as he scored twice in the first 10 minutes. The first was a spinning attempt from just outside the box, while the other came when he found a loose ball in front of the net. The goals are Payne's first of the season and marked his second career multi-goal game. 

Connor Anderson (Cogan Station, Pa./Jersey Shore) and Joel Winters (Mockville, Va./Calvary Day School) combined for W&J's remaining two goals in the second half.  Anderson has scored in each of the last two games, while Winters' goal is the first of his career. 

In total, Payne paced all players with four shots and four shots on goal. Five other Presidents also tallied shots in the contest. 

On Senior Day, Nick Stasko made the start in goal for the Red & Black and made four saves to earn his third win of the season. Rookie Samuel Miller (Lewisburg, Pa./Lewisburg) entered the game in relief and made one save in the first action of his career. 

W&J returns to the pitch on Tuesday, Oct. 2, for a 7:30 p.m. tilt against Allegheny in Meadville, Pa.