WASHINGTON, D.C. – Despite a second half rally, the TCNJ Men's Soccer team fell just short, 2-1, to Shendandoah to close out their weekend at the Turk Emekli Classic on Saturday.

The Lions (0-2) outshot the Hornets (1-1) by a notable 18-to-12, while doubling up on corner kicks with six, but it wasn't enough as Shenandoah managed to produce just enough offense to squeak past the Lions. 

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• Shenandoah struck first just 14 minutes into the match when a pinpoint pass from Chinedu Ikem evaded the Lions backline to find Nathan Yared, who evaded a valiant effort from TCNJ goalie Julian Franco for the score.
• Looking to double up the score, the Hornets once again found a prime scoring chance with 21:58 left in the first half. However, their chances were promptly stopped by a swarm of Lions defenders that recorded a team save and took back control of the ball.
• In the 28th minute, freshman Matias Hornos nearly connected with fellow classmate Chris Meder on a brilliant header that evaded the Shenandoah backline, however Hornets goalie Travis Jett prevented a potential game tying shot attempt by getting to the ball first. 
• Hornos once again nearly delivered the game-tying score in the 42nd minute when his cross in transition fell just out of reach for freshman Will Roche, who would have had to beat just the goalie for the chip shot goal.
• The 60th minute finally saw the Blue and Gold notch the gam even, as the Lions tied the game on a free kick from Colin Kenville, who delivered an excellent ball that the Hornets goalie couldn't handle and ultimately was tapped into the net by Hornos after a wild scramble for the ball.
• However, Shenandoah would quickly retake the lead for good in the 73rd minute on a goal by Logan Whited.
• The Lions would make several attempts to re-tie the match, but several shots from John Ramos and Luke Pascarella failed to connect as the clock ran out.

NOTES:

• Lions finished the first half with a slight edge in shots (11-to-9) and corners (4-to-1), while tying the Hornets with four shots on goal.
• In his second career game with the Lions, sophomore John Ramos finished with a team-high six shots attempted.
• The freshmen duo of Hornos and Meder each made an impact, combining for five shots (three on goal) and Hornos' lone Lions goal of the match.

UP NEXT:
The Lions will head out to Allentown next Wednesday as they face off against Muhlenberg. The start time is scheduled for 7 PM.