BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – Two goals in the first 15 minutes helped the Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs defeat Emmanuel College in the final exhibition game of 2019, 2-1.

"We came out strong tonight with several solid looks in the first 15 minutes," said  head coach Tony Setzer. We have to credit Emmanuel, they never backed down and continued to play with intensity. We'll now look towards the regular season opener against a tough Charlotte squad."

The Runnin' Bulldogs got in front of the Lions just 2:35 into the contest. After Alain Delgado's shot was deflected, he recovered and found Cole Sanfilippo who sent the ball into the lower left quadrant of the net to give the 'Dogs the lead.

Gardner-Webb controlled possession throughout the first half with Pedro Benito taking two shots before Jorge Salgado extended the Runnin' Bulldogs' to lead to 2-0. Jonas Olsaker found Delgado on the left side of the pitch who sent the ball to Salgado in the middle of the box. Salgado converted to give the 'Dogs a multi-goal lead.

Emmanuel managed two attempts in the 23^rd minute – their first shots of the match – with one being saved by Husa and another wide of the net.

GWU's best chance to make it 3-0 came when Hendrik Kortgodde fired a strike at the net, but it was snatched up by Giulano Palma.

The Lions nearly got on the board in the 44^th minute, but Daniel Husa made his second save of the evening to keep the score 2-0 in favor of Gardner-Webb at the intermission.

The Runnin' Bulldogs began the second half with a number of new faces getting action, including freshmen Mallel Rios in goal. Rios was joined by Owen Zaldivar, Edafe Evivie and Laurits Lillemose – all of whom were among the freshmen second-half starters for the 'Dogs.

Gardner-Webb's chances were ample in the second half with Simen Olsen nearly scoring a third goal for the 'Dogs in the 54^th minute, but it was Emmanuel that got on the board first in the final half.

In the 66^th minute a ball was sent into the box, and the Lions' Grant Farrell gained possession. Farrell fired a shot that deflected off a Gardner-Webb defender. As the defender tried to gain possession and control the ball, it glanced off his right foot and into the goal to pull the Lions within a goal, 2-1.

In the 77^th minute, Kortgodde's attempt was just inches high as he could not extend Gardner-Webb's advantage back to two goals. Emmanuel had attempts to equalizer in the 88^th and 89^th minute with the best look coming off a header by Farrell, but the 'Dogs escaped with a 2-1 win in the final exhibition of the season.

Gardner-Webb outshot Emmanuel, 19-11, with Kortgodde and Benito leading the way with four shots each. In goal, Husa and Rios combined for three saves. For Emmanuel, Palma stopped seven shots.

The Runnin' Bulldogs will now look towards the regular season opener next Friday at Charlotte. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.