Dixie State opened the 2021 regular season on the losing end of a 4-0 result against Air Force Academy Saturday afternoon in St. George.

"Unbelievable support today from our fans," said head coach Jonny Broadhead. "It was very surreal to have the opportunity to coach a game and watch our team play and do what they love. We are all disappointed that we didn't perform better, we expect more of ourselves, but we learned a lot today against a very strong and disciplined Air Force team that is very well coached. The fact that we are able to go back to work now and show better for this weekend is all we can ask for and we will take full advantage of that! We aimed to play today in honor of all those who can't due to the pandemic and are very grateful today actually happened. "Tough times don't last but tough people do!" I believe we are a tough group and am excited to get the guys back on the training field."

The Falcons broke open a scoreless match in the 9^th minute to gain the first lead of the afternoon. Michael Neacsu tallied the first goal for AFA from high center with assists from Giuliano Daniel and Quinn Matulis.

 The Falcons continued to stretch the lead out from there with two more goals in the first half. London Aghedo scored in the 33^rd minute with an assist from Quinn Matulis, followed by a goal roughly ten minutes later by Thaddaeus Dewing at the 43:52 mark. AFA then tacked on an insurance goal near the end of the 85^th minute to put the match away.

The Falcons outshot DSU 9-4, including a 7-2 edge on frame. Junior forward Tony Foulger and sophomore defenseman Trevor Dillion led the Trailblazers in shots on goal with one each. Junior goalkeeper Levi Ford was credited with four saves in a losing effort.

Dixie State returns to action Thursday, Feb. 11 in San Diego, Calif., where they will match up against San Diego State.