MORROW, Ga. – The King University men's soccer team started the 2014 campaign by netting the first goal of the season early in the first half. However, the Tornado couldn't make the tally standup as Clayton State University used three second half goals to take the season opening win 3-1 at their own tournament, the Loch Shop Shootout.

King put pressure on the host Lakers early in the first half as Faber Bickerstaffe ripped a pair of shots around a corner kick in the first 12 minutes. His second shot was on target, but it was saved by the Clayton State goalkeeper.

Following a Clayton State (1-0) shot that was saved by Cameron Sauro, Luis Calderon ripped another Tornado shot in the 15th minute, but it was off target. Just seven minutes later, Calderon ripped another shot, but this time it was on frame. Kendale Liburd had the ball on the left side and squared it across into the box where it found Caleron's foot. From there, Calderon tapped it into the net for his first career goal.

The teams traded shots for the rest of the half, each putting three shots on goal in the first half, but King (0-1) held the 1-0 lead at the break.

However, it didn't take long for the Lakers to answer as Avery Shepard netted the equalizer just over two minutes into the second half. Bilal Nakhill took a corner kick in the 48th minute, and Shepard was in the box to head the ball into the net to even the score at one apiece.

Nakhil then setup another scoring chance for Clayton State in the 53rd minute, this time assisting on a goal by Arturo Cruz. Only a minute later, Shepard struck again to give the Lakers a commanding 3-1 lead.

Both teams had opportunities to score in the 57th minute, but both were stopped by the opposing goalkeepers. King threatened in the 74th minute as Luis Alonso ripped a shot, but it was saved by Vitus Tuumi, the Laker keeper.

The Tornado couldn't muster anymore chances from there as the Lakers took the contest 3-1. Clayton State outshot King 16-10, including 11-4 in the second frame. The Lakers also had the advantage on corner kicks as well, 8-2 over the Tornado.

King will be in action again on Saturday when they take on USC Aiken in the finale of the Loch Shop Shootout. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:00 p.m.  

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