For the second straight game, the Lee University men’s soccer team conceded a goal in the second half and could complete a comeback. The Flames fell to Lincoln University of Missouri 1-0 on Sunday afternoon to fall to 0-2 on the season.
The Blue Tigers started the game fast with a lot of pressure. Two early shots went high and then a shot from Ackeem Mullins for LU forced a tough save from Jakob Buhrkuhl. It took 24 minutes for the Flames to attempt a shot when Marcos Garcia’s attempt was saved.
Ryan Chouyouti and Matthew Steyn had the only other two attempts of the half. At the halftime break it was tied at 0-0.
Lincoln took the lead in the 61st minute. Off of a free kick, the Blue Tigers worked their way to the 18 yard box. Shandee Brooks blasted a shot for LU that Buhrkuhl saved off the crossbar. However, Christopher Hull headed it home from just a few feet away to give LU the 1-0 lead.
Over the final 30 minutes, the Flames only managed to take a couple of more shots. Lincoln took ten shots to just eight for the Flames. Buhrkuhl had three saves for the Flames. For the second straight game the Flames had more corner kicks than their opponent but could not convert.
The Flames will remain on the road and take on Lincoln memorial University on Wednesday, September 11. The Flames and Railsplitters will battle in Harrogate, Tenn. at 4 PM.
Coach Potteiger’s Thoughts:
“We knew this was going to be a tough game both because of the long trip after Thursdays game, and because Lincoln is really athletic. We got stretched early in the game as we had to adjust to their pace, but once we adjusted we tightened the game up and it was always just going to be a question of who could take one of their chances.”
“We had 3 legitimate opportunities in the 2nd half and we needed to put one of those away that’s how you win games on the road at this level.
I told the team I never go into a season thinking we are going to be undefeated, but none of us ever expected to be sitting at 0-2.”
“We had 6 or 7 starters out for significant parts of preseason with injuries and so we have taken a few knocks early while we are still figuring ourselves out. But we will get better from these last few days and make the changes we need to be a better team on Wednesday.”