Pikeville, KY - UPIKE men's soccer hit the field to open the 2021 season on Saturday, matching up with the Rams of Bluefield College. Despite staying on pace with the Rams the majority of the contest and a Favio Govea goal, the Bears fell 4-1.

The Bears came out of the gate with fast paced offense, attacking for three shots within the first 15 minutes. Those shots came off the feet of Alejandro Swanton, Ethan Duncan, and Govea but were saved by the Rams each time.

Second year team captain and goalie Jalen Smith was busy in the first half, warding off several shot attempts by the Rams. Smith saved two impressive kicks in the 15^th and 23^rd minutes, before diving under a header less than a minute later to hold the Rams at 0. Finally, Bluefield struck first, landing a back corner shot to go up 1-0.

The second half opened with the same rapid pace as both teams fought for momentum. The Bears wasted no time attacking the net, as Govea sent one wide within the first minute. On the ensuing possession, the senior from Ecuador tracked down the field, outrunning the Rams defenders before placing an excellent shot on a line to tie the game.

Three minutes later, despite a solid effort defensively, the Rams scored again to take the lead, one they would hold for the remainder of the contest. In the 69^th minute, Bluefield made it three one with an unassisted goal and the momentum had shifted for the Rams.

The nail in the coffin came in the 79^th minute from the Rams as they notched goal number 4, sealing the 4-1 victory.

In total, the Bears shot 16 times, placing nine on goal. Govea managed seven shots, Jack Burleson had three while Logan Cales and Ethan Duncan managed two. Smith finished the effort with seven saves.

The Bears are on the road for their next matchup, a road bout with Midway set for 3:30 PM on Tuesday, September 14^th.