SALT LAKE CITY – The Carroll College men's soccer team fell 2-1 to Westminster College Sunday in a hard-fought season opener at Dumke Field in Salt Lake City.
The Saints struggled early allowing a goal at the 25-minute mark before things got worse in a hurry. Freshman
Leo Georgiades got into a tussle with a Westminster player and received a red card in the 30th minute, leaving the Saints a man down for the remainder of the match.
The Griffins capitalized just before the half with a goal off of a corner kick to go up 2-0 at the break.
"We really came out flat," head coach
Doug Mello said. "I'm not sure if it is the heat or the tension of the first game, but we struggled. When you combine that with playing a man down for the remainder of the match, it was a frustrating half."
The Saints answered early in the second. Sophomore midfielder
Eric Hollenbaugh headed in a ball off a corner kick from
Alessio Georgiades to cut the deficit to 2-1.
The Saint kept the pressure on and appeared to earn the equalizer, but the goal was disallowed.
"We regrouped in the second half," Mello said. "It looked like we tied the match with another goal from Eric, but the referee said the ball went off of his hand. We kept on the attack and had a few great chances that just didn't go in."
The Saints earned multiple corner kicks and other opportunities in the final few minutes but the Griffin defense held on for the win.
"I am very proud of the way these guys played in the second half, especially playing a man down," Mello said. "We did a lot of great things, and I think this will be a great confidence builder for us moving forward."
The Saints next take on Presentation College Friday, Sept. 8 at 4 p.m. at Nelson Stadium.