Flushing, NY - After opening the season to a promising 3-0-1 start, the University of D.C. Firebirds looked to remain undefeated at Queens College in Flushing, NY.  However, the Firebirds were shut out Sunday as they could not overcome an early 2-0 deficit.

The Firebirds got off to a sluggish start, allowing an opening goal to Dele Akinyode (Brooklyn, NY) at the 5-minute mark.  Akinyode scored the unassisted goal by maneuvering in the 18-yard box and finishing over sophomore goalkeeper Kyle Heatherington (Collingwood Ontario, Canada).  Minutes later, Queens College struck again, as captain Daniel Stoker (London, England) scored a well-placed header off of a corner kick in the 19^thminute.

Firebird Head Coach Matt Thompson was disappointed in the team's slow start, but felt encouraged by the team's play in the second half.  "We came out flat and let up two early goals, but we picked up the energy in the second half and showed real resilience."  He then added, "we had some chances late in the second half, and some unfortunate calls, but we will use this game as a learning tool for the rest of the season."

With the second half underway, the Firebirds came out reinvigorated.  Goalkeeper Heatherington was replaced by freshman Alex Vert (Rockville, MD) as the Firebirds battled to even the score.  Late in the half, the Firebirds were whistled for an offside call that disallowed a supreme opportunity for a scoring chance.  The Firebirds continued to work but were unable to find the back of the net and were defeated 2-0.

The Firebirds look to bounce back next week as they travel to Bloomsburg, PA on Wednesday, September 21 to face Bloomsburg at 7:00pm.

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