HICKORY, N.C. -- Following a ten-day hiatus due to rescheduling caused by Hurricane Helene, the Trojans traveled to North Carolina on Wednesday, falling 2-1 to the Bears for the team's first conference loss of the season. 

The physical contest, which saw 25 total fouls and eight yellow cards, proved to be distinctly well-matched with the Trojans and Bears producing similar numbers in nearly every stat category. AU posted 13 shots to LR's 10, with six of Lenoir-Rhyne's being on frame compared to Anderson's five. Both keepers recorded four saves on the night, and Anderson earned four corner kicks, while Lenoir-Rhyne tallied six. 

The Black and Gold struck first with Juan Pablo Lepervanche (Caracas, Venezuela) securing his fourth goal of the season, slotting one home from the spot after an LR foul in the box. Momentum immediately shifted, however, with the Bears finding the equalizer just thirty seconds later. 

The game remained level for the next half hour, before Lenoir-Rhyne pushed the go-ahead goal to the back of the next in the 84th minute. Anderson nearly forced a last-chance draw, but an 87th-minute Trojan goal was ultimately ruled offsides, securing the victory for the Bears. 

AU is back home this Saturday (Oct. 5) to host Catawba for a 7:30 kickoff.