SALISBURY, N.C. (Sept. 12) – Despite holding a 10-6 advantage in the shots on goal, the University of Mount Olive men's soccer team fell by a 1-0 margin at Catawba on Tuesday night in non-conference action.
With the loss, the Trojans drop to 0-3-1 this season with all three losses coming by a one-goal deficit. After opening the season with four consecutive road matches, UMO will host its home opener this Saturday, Sept. 16 versus rival Barton. Meanwhile, the Indians improve to 2-1-1 overall with both wins coming against Conference Carolinas opponents.
Mount Olive produced the first opportunity of the contest in the opening minutes, as senior
Amin Ferreira registered a shot on goal after redirecting a pass in front of the net. Catawba answered back in the 11th minute with a shot from the top of the box, which was stopped following a diving save by junior goalkeeper
Axel Engren. The Trojans regained control of the game and pressure the net with four shots, including an attempt on goal by junior
Rafael Obraczka. In the 35th minute, UMO was awarded a penalty kick, but the shot by Obraczka sailed over the top of the net to keep the contest scoreless. The match went into the break tied at 0-0 despite Mount Olive tallying three more shots in the final five-plus minutes.
The Trojans continued to pepper the net with shots in the initial 15 minutes of the second half, including a team save by Catawba and a shot by freshman
Maken Augustin that hit the post. The Indians gain possession of the contest over the final 15 minutes and eventually found the back of the net. At the 77:34 mark, Catawba scored off a deflection in front that redirected into the goal, 1-0.
Engren finished with five stops, including four in the second half, after playing all 90 minutes.
Both teams tied with 19 attempts and UMO held a 10-6 edge in shots on goal, while Catawba finished with an 8-6 lead in corner kicks.
The Trojans host their home opener on Saturday, Sept. 16 versus Barton in Conference Carolinas action at Amon Field with kickoff set for 7 p.m.