FARMVILLE, Va. – The Longwood University men’s soccer team dropped a 4-1 decision to the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (2-1-1) of the Southern Conference on Tuesday evening at the Athletics Complex in Farmville. Senior Devin Pierce|Virginia Beach (Ocean Lakes) scored his first goal of the season to lead the Lancers (0-4). Longwood returns to action on Sunday, September 9 when the squad travels to Big South Conference foe UNC Asheville for a 2:30 p.m. kickoff.

The squads played an aggressive first half, with three cards being assessed to each side in the first 45 minutes of play. Less than three minutes into the match, Pierce gave the Lancers an early advantage, when he dribbled into the box and fired off a hard shot towards the left post that was just out of the UNCG keeper’s reach.

“After a great start and a great goal from Devin, we were forced on the back foot from UNCG for much of the half,” said head coach Jon Atkinson. “We started the second half in control, but then missed a gilt edge chance to even the score. The game was virtually over as a contest when two of our players collected their second cautions of the game and left us shorthanded. Whether I agree or disagree with the calls is inconsequential, as we must learn to read the game, and understand when it is becoming emotionally charged and learn how to control that.

“Once again, the fans were terrific and we are itching to reward them with a victory soon.”

The Spartans retaliated by converting on two corner kick opportunities. Maximilian Shultz sent a cross to Hakan Ilhan on the left post for UNCG’s first goal of the game in the 20th minute, and Aaron Reifschneider found Oddur Gudmundsson on the near side in the 24th minute of play to give their team a one goal advantage.

Sophomore Anthony Ugorji|Washington, D.C. (Archbishop Carroll) had a chance to tie the match on a strong header in the 37th minute, but his shot missed high. UNCG was issued a red card in the 39th minute, giving Longwood a man-up advantage, but the Spartans held on to take a slight, 2-1 edge into the break.

The physicality continued into the second half, as Ugorji and sophomore Daena Bodie|Guernsey, England (St. Sampson's Secondary) each earned their second yellow card of the night just over one minute apart, putting the Lancers in a 10-on-9 situation. 

Neither team was able to move the net for over 30 minutes in the second half, until Gudmundsson scored his second goal of the night. Senior Evan Jones|Midlothian (Midlothian) was issued a red card in the 78th minute to put Longwood at a two-man disadvantage before Jannick Martens sealed the 4-1 victory for UNCG in the 83rd minute.

Tuesday’s match marked the ninth meeting all-time between Longwood and UNCG in the sport of men’s soccer. The Spartans now hold a 7-1-1 advantage in the all-time series.

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