WILMORE, Ky.--- The Asbury men's soccer team (4-3-2, 0-1-0) put up three goals in their Collegiate Conference of the South (CCS) opener against Piedmont University (5-3-2, 1-0-0), but conceded four goals to the Lions to fall on Monday afternoon in Wilmore, Ky., 4-3.
The Eagles, who led at halftime with a 2-1 score, thanks to goals from sophomore marketing major
Salat Kipterit (5) and senior exercise science major
Cameron Johnson, ultimately could not hold off the Lions' determined efforts.
Despite a late goal in the 81st minute for AU by junior sport management major
Nick Eller, who also registered an assist earlier, it was Piedmont's Mason Keith who scored the game-winning goal. Piedmont's Jason Aussin was a standout, netting a hat trick to lead his team to victory.
Kipterit's equalizer in the 26th minute gives him three goals in the last two matches and a team-leading five on the year. He stands at fifth place in the CCS for goals scored.
While Asbury outshot Piedmont 25-15, their shooting accuracy saw them landing only five on target compared to Piedmont's nine. The defensive efforts were also highlighted by the goalies from both teams making pivotal saves, with Asbury's Collin McKibben saving five and Bobby Wood of Piedmont holding strong at the net.
Not only was the match thrilling due to its scoreline, but Asbury also showed strong tactical play, earning nine corner kicks to Piedmont's one, showcasing their aggressive strategy and ball control.
AU had four shots in the final eight minutes after Eller's goal and a corner kick in the 89th minute, but could not equalize. The goal by Eller was assisted by a beautiful assist from
Austin Dunlap for his second on the year.
Asbury's next challenge is on the horizon as they are set to face another CCS opponent, Belhaven University on Saturday in Jackson, MS., at 7:30 pm EST. The Eagles currently hold a record of 4-3-2.
It's really hard on you when you dominate the game, have a halftime lead and still lose it, especially as the first conference game. We all gave it our all, and even though the result wasn't like we expected, we learned a lot and I think we're ready to confidently take on Belhaven on Saturday!
"It's really hard on you when you lead at half and lose the match, especially as the first conference game. We all gave it our all, and even though the result wasn't like we expected, we learned a lot and I think we're ready to confidently take on Belhaven on Saturday!"
Nick Eller | Senior | Sport Management | Niefern, Germany
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Nick Eller | Goal (3), Assist (1)
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Salat Kipterit | Goal (5), 3 in last two matches, 5th in CCS
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Cameron Johnson | Goal (2)
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Collin Mckibben | 5 Saves
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Austin Dunlap | Assist (2)
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