University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
UNC Asheville
1-10-0, 0-5-0
Presbyterian
5-4-2, 1-3-1
Men’s soccer falls to Presbyterian in inaugural Be the Match game
10.16.2021 | Men's Soccer
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – The UNC Asheville Men's Soccer hosted Presbyterian for its inaugural "Get in the Game" match to benefit the Be the Match program on Saturday evening, dropping a close contest 2-1 to the Blue Hose.
Jake Kemhadjian started the scoring in the 24th, but Presbyterian struck twice in the second to take the game.
"We had a really strong first half," said head coach Giordano. "Unfortunately, we couldn't handle the directness that Presbyterian played with in the second. We needed to step up our intensity in the second 45 and need to put together a full 90 to win in this league."
The Game at a Glance
- Third straight one-goal loss
- Season-high seven saves for Leon Musial
- First goal of Asheville career for Kemhadjian
How it Happened
Kemhadjian was involved early, nearly making the game 1-0 in the fifth minute with a rocket that just went wide right. With the teams trading opportunities, the Bulldogs capped off a nice buildup with the first score of the game as Conor Behan worked the ball up the right flank and swung it in to Colin Daughtry who flicked the ball to Kemhadjian for the goal. Presbyterian stepped up the pressure, but Musial kept the lead going into half.
The Blue Hose registered the first chance of the second half and took advantage as Ndrin Maloku evened the score at 1-1. Presbyterian would earn a pair of corners, cashing in again when Nile Nokkvason put the Blue Hose ahead. Presbyterian would have surely added another goal if it wasn't for the efforts of Musial, who made a pair of leaping saves to keep Asheville within striking distance.
In the last 15 the Bulldogs picked up the pace, getting chances from Jarron James and Daughtry via a free kick, but could not convert as Presbyterian claimed the win.
Be the Match
In addition to serving as senior day, Taylor Durall and the Be the Match organization successfully executed the inaugural UNC Asheville "Get in the Game" match to benefit Be the Match. With an attendance of nearly 300, the organization was able to grow the bone marrow registry and bring awareness to the cause. The match was also the first "Get in the Game" match in collegiate soccer.
What's Next
The Bulldogs, who drop to 1-10 (0-5 Big South) remain home, welcoming Campbell to town on Wednesday. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. at Greenwood Field.
Team Stats
Jake Kemhadjian (1)
Assisted By: Colin Daughtry , Conor Behan
GOAL by AVL Kemhadjian, Jake Assist by Daughtry, Colin and Behan, Conor.
23:52
Ndrin Maloku (1)
Assisted By: Niklas Hoener
GOAL by PRE Maloku, Ndrin Assist by Hoener, Niklas.
50:27
Nile Nguidjol (1)
Assisted By: Ndrin Maloku
GOAL by PRE Nguidjol, Nile Assist by Maloku, Ndrin.
60:13
