DAYTON, Tn. - The University of Pikeville men's soccer team battled Bryan College throughout 90 minutes Saturday morning, but the Bears fell 1-0 to the Lions in their first Appalachian Athletic Conference match of the season.
Pikeville created several opportunities early, with Elvis Simiyu hitting the post just 3:53 into the match. The Bears continued to apply pressure, earning two corner kicks in the opening half while putting five shots toward the Bryan goal.
The Bears nearly broke through in the 19th minute when Tobias Bentzen's shot was kept out by a team save from the Lions. Simiyu also forced Bryan goalkeeper Santiago Morales into a save in the 23rd minute.
Defensively, Pikeville kept Bryan off the scoreboard in the opening 45 minutes. Alejandro Iglesias made a save on a Josh Hernandez attempt late in the half, while Yali Cohen came up with a defensive save on Leo Campos in the 19th minute.
Pikeville continued to generate chances after halftime. Mahmoud Shech-Ichya forced a save in the 53rd minute, while Matias Salvat's attempt was cleared off the line by a Bryan defender moments later. Alex Pritchard also put a shot on goal in the 72nd minute.
Bryan finally broke through at the 72:45 mark when Zeke Lawyer scored his first goal of the season to give the Lions a 1-0 lead.
The Bears responded with a strong push in the final 17 minutes. Mohamed Samake forced another save from Morales before Martin Larraguibel created three consecutive chances between the 78th and 81st minutes, but Morales turned away each attempt to preserve the Bryan shutout.
Pikeville finished the match with a 13-8 advantage in total shots and held an 8-3 edge in corner kicks. The Bears also put nine shots on target compared to five for Bryan.
Larraguibel led Pikeville with three shots, all of which were on frame. Simiyu added two shots, including one on target and the early attempt that struck the post.
Iglesias finished with three saves in goal for the Bears, while Morales recorded nine saves for Bryan.
The loss moves Pikeville to 2-2-1 on the season and 0-1 in AAC play.
The Bears return home Wednesday, September 16, welcoming Johnson University (Tenn.) to the Bob Amos Complex for a 7:30 PM start.
--UPIKE--
