University of Mount Olive

MURFREESBORO — Nick Cutlip turned in a career night in goal Tuesday, recording 10 saves, but the University of Mount Olive men's soccer team fell 3-2 to conference foe Chowan on the road.

Cutlip kept the Trojans within striking distance throughout the 90-minute battle, making 10 saves against a Chowan attack that generated 35 shots and 13 shots on target. The goalkeeper made six saves in the second half alone as the Hawks continued to pressure the Mount Olive defense.

After a scoreless opening half, Mount Olive broke through in the 53rd minute. Pierce Slater put the Trojans in front with his first goal of the season, heading home an assist from Abdoulaye Saine to give Mount Olive a 1-0 advantage.

Chowan answered in the 61st minute when Owen Sweeney scored to level the match. Fernando Hernandez then gave the Hawks a 2-1 lead less than three minutes later.

The Trojans quickly responded, with Drew Huff finding the back of the net in the 68th minute off an assist from Haythem Abraham to bring the match back even at 2-2.

Cutlip continued to keep Mount Olive alive with several saves down the stretch, including stops on shots from Sweeney, Brandon Hill and Fernando Hernandez. Chowan eventually broke through in the 85th minute, as Sweeney scored his second goal of the night to put the Hawks ahead 3-2.

Mount Olive had one final opportunity in the closing minutes, but Cutlip's counterpart Lucas Kibrya saved Huff's shot in the 87th minute to preserve the Chowan victory.

Despite the result, Cutlip finished with a career performance, making 10 saves while playing all 90 minutes. The Trojans move to 2-5-0 overall and 1-3-0 in conference play, while Chowan improves to 3-2-2 overall and 3-1-0 in league action.

Mount Olive returns to action in its next scheduled contest against Converse at home on Saturday in a 3 p.m. afternoon matchup.