CLEVELAND, Ga. (Sept. 8, 2018) – The Truett McConnell University men's soccer team outshot the Bluefield College Rams 24-4 but it proved not enough as the Bears, who are receiving votes in the latest NAIA national top 25, fell for the first time this season in an Appalachian Athletic Conference showdown (4-3).

FIRST HALF BATTLE

The Rams took advantage of a through-ball early in the first half to put Bluefield on the scoreboard first. Nonetheless, TMU's Joao Costa responded with a goal on a penalty kick. The Bears had nine more opportunities to connect for another goal while Bluefield had zero shots for the remaining 18 minutes of the half.

SECOND HALF DECISION

Costa rose to the occasion for the second time with a free kick powering the ball to the left corner of the net to put the Bears out front (2-1). Nonetheless, seven minutes later Bluefield responded with a volley that flew past Evan Gaffney to tie up the game (2-2).

At 20:35, Giovanni Giraudo connected for TMU's final goal of the afternoon on a deflection off of Frederico Divino from a ball sent by Jacob Sharp into the box (3-2). 12 minutes later, TMU suffered an own goal as Giraudo attempted to block a ball played in the box by Bluefield, which deflected off the post and into the net (3-3). A penalty kick enabled the Rams' winning goal just two minutes after the own goal (3-4). Three more shots were taken by the Bears as time ran out but Bluefield remained on top.

TMU earned nine corner kicks in comparison to Bluefield's one.

Costa led with nine shots while Giraudo compiled a total of five. Gaffney tallied a total of four saves.

UP NEXT

The Bears will return to the TMU Soccer Complex for another AAC matchup against Tennessee Wesleyan on Wednesday, Sept. 12, at 4:30 p.m.