GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Bluefield University Rams men's soccer team dropped a 2-1 decision to Greensboro College Tuesday night at Pride Field in non-conference action.
Bluefield wasted little time finding the scoreboard, as freshman midfielder Leo Bascope put the Rams ahead 1-0 in the fifth minute. After Greensboro was denied by Michael Hiatt in the opening minutes, Bascope struck at the 4:39 mark to give BU the early advantage. He nearly added another just over two minutes later, but his shot was saved by the Pride's goalkeeper.
Greensboro continued to generate chances, but Hiatt kept GC off the board. The Pride eventually leveled the match in the 35th minute, scoring at 34:45 to make it 1-1. Hiatt came up with another save in the 43rd minute, sending the Rams into halftime tied.
GC carried its pressure into the second half, with Hiatt stopping another Greensboro shot in the 48th minute. Bluefield answered with opportunities of its own, as Bascope registered a shot in the 56th minute before sophomore forward Ethan Ruiz sent an attempt wide. Hiatt then made another save at the 57th minute.
The Pride broke the deadlock in the 64th, scoring the eventual game-winning goal and taking a 2-1 lead. Bluefield continued to fight, with freshman midfielder Diego Valenzuela and Ruiz recording late chances, but the Rams could not find a second equalizer.
Hiatt finished with six saves, while Bascope led the Rams with three shots and two shots on goal. Greensboro held a 22-6 advantage in shots.
Bluefield returns home Saturday for its Appalachian Athletic Conference and home opener against Columbia International. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. at the East River Soccer Complex.
