EVERETT, Wash. – Freshman midfielder Aldo Rivas registered the first-ever hat trick in Eastern Oregon University men's soccer history, as the Mountaineers easily defeated Trinity Lutheran College, 4-0.

"Today we faced a motivated Trinity Lutheran team," said head men's soccer coach Stan Rodrigues. "We were able to pick up our speed of play and get many of our players quality minutes. Aldo and Anthony gave us a good amount of energy and got rewarded."

Freshman forward Anthony Leavens notched his first-career goal in the first half to give the Navy and Gold 1-0 advantage at the break. Meanwhile, Rivas' three scores all came in the second stanza to keep Trinity Lutheran at bay. Junior Jordan Hillmick, who had played as a goalkeeper all season long, played forward for the Mountaineers and picked up an assist.

Both sophomore Luke Ridder and junior Alfredo Lara saw action in the box to lead EOU to its fifth shutout and third-straight win.

"The team did a great job of communication and possession of the ball," said Rodrigues. "I am proud of this team, and they have come a long way." 

The Mountaineers (7-8, 5-6 CCC) return to the pitch tomorrow for their final regular-season game against Warner Pacific in Portland, Ore., at 7 p.m.