Lions fall late to defending national champions

MARS HILL, N.C. - After a scoreless first half, the Lions fell 2-1 against the defending national champion Wingate Bulldogs Wednesday evening at the Ammons Family Athletic Center and Meares Stadium.  Jordan Lennon scored his second goal of the season in the loss.

With ten minutes remaining in the contest, Lennon caught up to a loose ball that dribbled behind three Bulldog defenders.  He tucked the shot underneath the arm of a sprawling Pablo Jara to tie the game in the latter stages.

Jon Ander's second goal of the season and contest proved to be the difference maker.  With less than three minutes remaining, a free kick was awarded to the Bulldogs just outside the box.  Ander wound up and delivered a picture perfect shot underneath the right crossbar and just inside the far post to lead the Bulldogs to victory in thrilling fashion.

A marvelous individual effort by Ander opened up the scoring just over ten minutes in the second half.  Splitting several Lions' defenders, he blasted the shot inside the right post to the far side of goalkeeper Ben Lucas.

Lucas made two saves in the match, while Jara made one.  Felipe Checco had a game high four shots on net.  Sam Roe led the Lions with two shots and picked up the assist on Lennon's goal.

Mars Hill returns to action Saturday, September 23 on the road against Belmont Abbey.  Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m.