MARYVILLE, Tenn. – The Piedmont men’s soccer team dropped its first contest of the 2024 season to the Knights of Southern Virginia late Saturday afternoon 3-1. The Lions looked poised to rally back into the contest in the second half but a late Knights goal put the game out of reach.
The Knights opened the scoring in the 13th minute, tapping home a service from a corner kick. Keeper Bobby Wood made a brilliant one-handed save on the first corner kick header, tapping the ball over the crossbar but was unable to save the second corner opportunity just moments later.
Southern Virginia doubled their lead just over five minutes later after forcing a turnover in the Piedmont defensive third. Despite putting up double-digit shots in the first half, Piedmont closed the first 45 with nothing to show for it and trailed 2-0 at the break.
It did not take long for the Lions to finally break through in the second. In the 50th minute, sophomore Davis Knight ripped a shot from distance, forcing a brilliant diving save from the Knights’ keeper. However, his punch-save landed directly at the feet of junior Colin Vogel, who tapped home an easy finish to cut the Southern Virginia lead in half.
Despite the Piedmont offense having numerous chances in the second half, a late goal from the Knights moved the score line to 3-1 and sealed the win for Southern Virginia.
Up next, Piedmont remains on the road, traveling to Mount Berry to take on the Vikings of Berry College on Wednesday, September 11 at 6 p.m.
TURNING POINT:
– Southern Virginia rallied for a third goal in the 79th minute to seal the contest.
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
– Colin Vogel scored his third goal of the season.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
– Piedmont out shot the Knights 10-7 in the first half despite conceding two goals.
– Piedmont concluded the contest with 28 shots, 12 of which were on goal.
