DANVILLE, Va. -- Mercer Stout collected another two-goal match as he opened and closed the scoring to help the Covenant men's soccer team to a 4-1 victory at Averett in USA South action at Daly Field on Friday afternoon.

Covenant (9-1-1, 6-0 USA South) remains perfect in the USA South and atop the West Division. It was the fifth time this year that the Scots have scored four-plus goals in a contest.

Stout had two goals and an assist for Covenant, while Jake Major added a goal and an assist.

It was the fourth two-goal match of the year for Stout as he overtakes the USA South lead in goals with 12 on the year. The sophomore got the Scots on the board in the sixth minute as he headed in a cross from Major and past Averett keeper Colton Dutchess for the goal. Stout then capped the scoring in the 63rd minute when he played a ball to his feet and blasted a shot off the crossbar and into the net.

Covenant dominated for most of the match as the Scots took 29 shots, the second-highest total for the team this season. 

After Averett tied the match in the 10th minute on a score from Ty Michelson, the Scots grabbed the lead for good later in the half. In the 27th minute, Anthony Buzzeo headed in another cross from Nathan Laughlin from just inside the box to make it 2-1. The goal was Buzzeo's third of the year, and first eventual game-winner, while Laughlin picked up his first collegiate assist.

In the second half, Covenant started to pull away. Major scored in the 47th minute as quick passing from a free kick off the foot of Jesse Riggs was headed by Stout back towards the middle of the six-yard box where Major came charging through and scored ahead of the keeper.

The goal was Major's fourth of the season, while Riggs and Stout registered assists on the play.

Paul Lemay made two saves at the net for Covenant in 74 minutes of action. Henry Hooks came on for the final 16 minutes. Dutchess made 10 saves for Averett (3-9, 1-6 USA South).

Stout led all players with five attempts, with Major, Josh Brower, and Parker Owen taking four each. Covenant held a 29-8 advantage in shots and a 9-1 edge in corner kicks.

UP NEXT

Covenant concludes its weekend road trip on Saturday at Mary Baldwin. Kick-off is set for 2 p.m.

CONNECT WITH THE SCOTS

Be sure to follow the Scots all season long on athletics.covenant.edu and on social media at Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for up-to-date scores, news and other information. To receive e-newsletters, click here