MURFREESBORO, N.C. (Sept. 7) – After a combined five first half goals on Wednesday evening, the University of Mount Olive men's soccer program suffered a 4-3 loss at Chowan in Conference Carolinas action.
 
With the loss, the Trojans drop to 2-3 overall with an 0-1 mark in conference play after opening the season with consecutive victories. Meanwhile, the Hawks improve to 1-3 this season behind a 1-0 record in league action. Chowan was selected as the preseason favorite in the Conference Carolinas and was nationally-ranked to prior to this week.
 
Chowan grabbed a 1-0 lead just 23 seconds into the match after a free kick into the box from senior Harri Lovett sneaked into the far post. Both teams would trade possession after the opening score before the Hawks extend the lead on a header by graduate student Tren Drexhage at the 10:21-mark, 2-0. Under one minute later, the Trojans cut into the deficit on a goal by sophomore Rafael Obraczka, his first goal of the season, off an assist from senior Nathan Esslinger, 2-1. In the 28th minute, the Hawks were awarded a penalty and Lovett scored his second goal of the match to put Chowan ahead 3-1. Mount Olive once again responded quickly at the 28:02-mark after senior Trevor Berk found the back of the net, his first goal of the year, on an assist from sophomore Chris Padilla, 3-2. The Trojans peppered the goal with eight more shots, including three on goal, but were unable to find the equalizer.
 
In the second half, the Hawks stretch their advantage back to two goals after graduate student Dennis Bates scored in the 49th minute, 4-2. Chowan continued to pressure the attacking side over the next 20-plus minutes with seven shots, including three on goal. UMO answered on the countered attack at the 78:38-mark on a goal by sophomore Guilherme Semola, his first of the season, to trim the deficit to 4-3. The Hawks would control possession over the final 10 minutes and held Mount Olive to zero shots during the stretch.
 
Sophomore goalkeeper Axel Engren collected five saves on 18 shots faced in 90 minutes of play.
 
Chowan out-shot UMO by an 18-12 margin, including a 10-6 edge in shots on goal, while Mount Olive posted a 4-2 advantage in corner kicks.
 
Mount Olive returns to action at Amon Field on Saturday, Sept. 10, for three-straight home matches starting with Emmanuel in conference play at 4 p.m.