HICKORY, N.C. — The No. 6 Anderson University men's soccer team dropped a 2-0 decision to Lenoir-Rhyne on Saturday. The Trojans generated 13 shots, six on goal, and seven corner kicks but were held scoreless.
Jonas Zethofer led AU with two shots on goal, putting both of his attempts on frame.
Raul Perez recorded two shots, including one on goal.
Luis Munoz added two shots with one on target.
Unai Bernal played all 90 minutes in goal and made one save.
The Black and Gold put two shots forward in an 11-second span in the 10th minute, with Zethofer forcing a save before
Jace Hicks sent an attempt high. AU added another attacking push with
Kenta Yagi's shot and a corner in the 17th minute, then absorbed a Lenoir-Rhyne stretch that included four shots and a corner without conceding. Lenoir-Rhyne broke through in the 27th minute on Oskar Dahlberg's goal from Hector Taboada. After the goal,
Aryan Benitez and
Juan Pablo Lepervanche both missed off target, Nicolas Ortiz put a shot on frame in the 43rd minute, and the Trojans earned two more corners before the half ended with Lenoir-Rhyne ahead 1-0.
Bernal kept the Trojans within reach with a save on Xairo Villalon in the 52nd minute, and the Black and Gold earned a corner in the 54th minute before the half turned more physical. From the 55th to 65th minutes, AU was whistled for several fouls and
Andres Giraldo received a yellow card, but the visitors followed with attacking chances from Perez and Munoz. The Trojans continued to press through set pieces, earning corners in the 73rd, 75th and 83rd minutes. AU generated its heaviest late pressure while chasing a 1-0 deficit, putting shots on goal from Munoz, Benitez and Zethofer in the final seven minutes, with Liam Prendergast saving attempts by Perez, Munoz, Benitez and Zethofer as Lenoir-Rhyne added a goal in the 90th minute to finish off a 2-0 result.
Up next, the Trojans host Catawba on Wednesday, Oct. 14, at 7 p.m. in Anderson, S.C.
