Lions down Bears with second half heroics

MARS HILL, N.C. – The Mars Hill men's soccer team (4-2-0, 1-1 SAC) defeated Lenoir-Rhyne (2-2-0, 1-1 SAC) 2-1 Wednesday night at the Ammons Family Athletic Center and Meares Stadium.

The teams were tied heading into the second half until the Lions were able to capitalize just over 15 minutes into the frame.

Mars Hill broke the 1-1 tie in the 62^rd minute when Carlo Pere scored his first career goal.  Coming off of the free kick taken by Jeppe Christensen, Pere sneaked past the defense and tucked the ball inside the left post.

With 12:37 left on the clock, the Bears threatened with a header taken by Joseph Linley.  Mars Hill goalkeeper Brian Salzman made a diving save to his left to preserve the 2-1 lead.

Similarly to the women's game that was played earlier in the night, the Bears struck first on the converted penalty kill attempt.  The goal, scored by Florian Simon, beat Salzman inside the top right corner to put Lenoir-Rhyne up 1-0 in the 19^th minute.

Mars Hill responded with a flurry of shots less than three minutes later.  Lenoir-Rhyne goalkeeper Alexander Langer made the initial save on a shot from Joakim Lien and Lien's second attempt was blocked by a sliding Bears' defender.  The third time was a charm for the Lions as the ball found its way onto the foot of Saltagic and he buried it for his first of the season.

Lien led the Lions with three shots on the night.  Ruben Morillas attempted three shots on the night as well for the Bears.

Langer made two saves in the losing effort.  Salzman earned his fourth win of the year stopping five shots.

Mars Hill returns to action this Saturday when they take on Anderson on the road.  The contest versus the Trojans is set for a 7:30 p.m. start.