Concordia University Chicago blew open a close game with four goals in the second half to defeat the Lakeland University men's soccer team 5-0 Saturday afternoon at a steamy Taylor Field.

With temperatures near 90 degrees and humidity high, a thin Muskies roster was tested by the opponent and the conditions. In a Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference matchup of two teams hungry for a victory, the visiting Cougars prevailed, controlling play throughout for their first win this season.

Aymen Maman scored twice and three others tallied goals for Concordia, which outshot Lakeland 28-2 and also attempted 16 corner kicks. Muskies goalkeeper Thomis Mannebach (Sr.-Florence, Wis.) made 14 saves, and a number of the spectacular variety, performing admirably to keep Concordia at bay as well as Lakeland did.

The Cougars (1-6 overall, 1-1 NACC) took a 1-0 lead in the first half when Joel Krenz knocked in a beautiful crossing pass by Gerardo Medina for his first goal of the season. The score stayed that way into the second half, when Fabian Robles took advantage of a turnover and scored in the 54th minute to make it 2-0.

Concordia really stretched it out over the next 12 minutes, adding two more goals. Medina assisted on a goal by Chris Arevalo, and Maman then scored his first goal unassisted at 65:04. He added a final goal with just over five minutes left, scoring after Krenz fed him a loose ball following a corner kick.

Two days after get into the offensive end with regularity in a loss to Wisconsin Lutheran, the Muskies had few successful rushes. Charles Apostolik (Jr.-New Castle, Colo.) attempted the only two shots but was held in check, and Lakeland did not get off a shot in the final 41 minutes.

The Muskies are back home Wednesday for the final match of a four-game homestand when they welcome Marian University for a 7 p.m. tilt at Taylor Field.