Raphael Fernandes scored two first-half goals and Southern Wesleyan University turned away a late charge by Lee and handed the Flames a 2-1 Southern States Athletic Conference defeat on Saturday afternoon at the Lee Soccer Field.
Down 2-1 with just over eight minutes remaining the Flames came within inches of tying the match when a blast hit the bar and skipped away. Some two minutes later Lee threatened again. On this occasion SWU keeper John Prochak came up with his only save of the match, reaching high to deflect the Flames' shot over the goal.
Fernandes put the Warriors on the board with less than three minutes gone in the match.
He was assisted by Caio Santos. Lee battled back to tie the fast-paced contest when Cedric Beauzile scored on a double assist by Sias Reyneke and Jonathan Finlay. However, Fernandes struck again with only 35 seconds remaining in the first half. The goal was unassisted.
Southern Wesleyan used a blistering attack to get off 21 shots. Twelve of the shots were on goal. The Flames managed only seven shots and placed two on target. Lee keeper Kenny Chase helped keep Lee within striking distance with 10 saves.
The Flames dropped to 7-7-1 on the year and 3-6 in the SSAC. SWU improved to 12-2-1 and 7-2-1. Lee will be back at the soccer complex on Thursday evening, playing their final regular season home match of the year against visiting Truett-McConnell College. The match is slated for a 7:30 start. They will close out the regular season on Oct. 27 at SPSU.