CLEVELAND, Tenn. – The Union University men's soccer team dropped their season opener 2-1 at Lee University as a part of the Lee University Classic. Friday's match versus Tennessee Temple was canceled due to rain. This was the season opener for both Gulf South Conference foes, despite this not being a conference match.
Lee scored first in the 38th minute when Travis Kiger found the back of the net unassisted. The score stood at 1-0 at the half. Lee outshot Union 7-5 in the first half.
Midway through the second half, Union was able to tie the match in 67th when
Paul Langford scored, assisted by
Nil Cierco. However, Lee responded just four minutes later when Gabe Franco scored on a penalty kick.
Union outshot Lee 8-5 in the second half and 13-12 in the game, but came up short.
Matt Kesler started in goal for Union, working for 71 minutes, allowing one goal with two saves.
Taylor Smith entered worked the final 19 minutes in net, allowing the PK goal and recorded no saves. Tom Halsall played 90 minutes in goal for Lee, allowing one goal with three saves.
Langford led Union with five shots, while
Jamie Fox and
Kyle Yeoman added two shots each.
Up next for Union will be their home opener, Friday, September 12 at 7:00 p.m. versus Oakland City. Union will also host their Alumni Match Saturday, September 13 at 11:00 a.m.
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