FORT WAYNE, Ind. -- A five goal second half explosion lifted Indiana Wesleyan University men's soccer past University of Saint Francis (Ind.) Friday night in the Crossroads League opener in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

In less than 15 minutes the Wildcats scored five goals to turn a one goal deficit into a four goal cushion. After failing to score for the first 45 minutes of play, Indiana Wesleyan opened the second half with a bang.

Geoff Bowman opened the barrage with a score in the third minute of the second half to tie the game 1-1 in the 48th minute. Less than two minutes later, Bowman assisted on a goal by Keaton Albert for the 2-1 lead. The pair would connect again just two minutes later for a 3-1 advantage.

After three goals in four minutes it would take just seven more minutes for the fourth. Albert found the back of the net in the 59th minute for his first collegiate hat trick. The freshman now has five goals on the season.

Bowman was not through yet as he added his second goal of the night in the 63rd minute. Bowman was the main catalyst in the scoring frenzy with two goals and two assists.

Saint Francis (6-4-0, 0-1-0 Crossroads) capped the scoring on the night with a goal in the 68th minute for the final score of 5-2.

The Wildcats outshot the Cougars 18-15 on the evening and held a 9-5 advantage in shots that were on target. IWU goalkeeper Josh Goepper made saves on three of the Cougars shots.

Indiana Wesleyan improves to 6-1-2 on the season and begins Crossroads League play at 1-0-0. IWU improves their unbeaten streak to seven matches as they have not lost since August 25.

The Wildcats return to action at 7 p.m. on Wednesday night in their Crossroads League home opener versus Grace (Ind.) College.