The Lee University men’s soccer team lost for the first time this season with a 2-1 setback in a physical battle at No. 3 Young Harris College Saturday evening. The two sides combined for 37 fouls and seven cautions.
“I’m really proud of the guys tonight,” said Lee head coach Derek Potteiger. “They emptied themselves for one another and went toe-to-toe with one of the better teams we will face this year.
“It’s such a tough place to play as they create an environment where you are playing against more than just one opponent.
I thought our guys did a tremendous job fighting against whatever we came up against and can hold their heads high on that performance,” continued Potteiger.
Young Harris (4-0-0) struck first with a goal in the 17th minute. Val Trouiller fired a shot that went off the right post. Ali Koller collected the rebound and quickly tallied the goal.
Tanner Carter evened the score at 1-1 with his first goal of the season in the 42nd minute. Carter’s initial shot was saved by YHC goalkeeper Alex Iglesias, but the senior followed his shot and put the rebound into the back of the net.
The Mountain Lions would receive the benefit of a foul call in the box just 79 seconds into the second half. Dani Fischer converted the penalty kick for the eventual game-winner.
“We all hurt though, having lost on a penalty call that nobody had any idea what was called or why. We will grow from this and continue to get better as a team as more really important games are just around the corner.”
Young Harris outshot the Flames 11-9 and put five shots on goal, while the Flames placed four on frame. Lee took four corner kicks to three for the home team.
Daniel Hrenko was credited with three saves in the loss. The two goals by YHC were the first that Hrenko had allowed all season.
The Flames return to the Lee Soccer Field to face Barry University Tuesday at 7 p.m. Barry is the defending NCAA Division II National Champions.