In a defensive battle that saw limited opportunities for both sides, the Covenant men's soccer team came up on the wrong side of the score in a 1-0 loss at region foe Emory on Tuesday night at Woodruff PE Center.
It is the first time all year that Covenant (10-2-1) has been shut out. Emory (6-4-1) has won three straight matches over the Scots.
The lone goal of the match came in the 73rd minute. Emory's Nate Sampson gained control of an attempted clearance by the Scots and slid his shot into the lower corner, out of the reach of Covenant keeper Paul Lemay.
The goal was Sampson's fifth of the year.
Covenant had a pair of opportunities late in the second half, but both were thwarted by the Emory defense and keeper Cole Gallagher. Parker Owen had a shot in the 78th minute and Keegan Weekley had a look in the 83rd minute, but Gallagher made stops on both of them.
Lemay kept the Scots within striking distance with three saves in the final minutes. Emory's Ethan Cohen had two consecutive chances from short range, but Lemay made a diving save on the first and recovered to save the second attempt as well. Lemay finished four saves on the night.
Emory held a 13-11 advantage in shots for the match. Covenant out-shot the host Eagles 9-8 in the second half as it tried to find the equalizer. Josh Brower and Austin Berry took three shots apiece for Covenant to lead the way. Jun Tsuru had three attempts for the Eagles.
Gallagher picked up the shutout for Emory as he made six saves.
Covenant will return to action on Saturday night at home against Maryville at 7 p.m. Senior Night activities will take place before the match as Covenant will recognize its senior class.