CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – The LaGrange College men's soccer team battled to the final whistle Saturday evening during a 1-0 setback to USA South-rival Covenant at Chattanooga Christian School.
Freshman goalkeeper Andrew Cole, who was making his fourth straight start, posted a game-high five saves for the Panthers (4-4-0, 1-2-0 USA South). For the Scots (6-3-3, 1-0-2), Austin Berry scored the game-winner 18 minutes into the first half, assisted by Mercer Stout.
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"It was a hard-fought game from the guys at a tough away game," said LaGrange College Men's Soccer Head Coach Ryan Dickson. "Ultimately, the game was decided by fine margins and we came up just short today. I am proud of the effort from the boys. We will need to be ready to go again Wednesday against Piedmont."
LaGrange and Covenant have met four times in the last three seasons, including a thriller in the first round of the 2019 USA South Tournament. Asher Hendon opened the scoring in the 12th minute for the fourth-seeded Panthers, but the top-seeded Scots scored two unanswered goals to secure a 2-1 victory.
On Saturday, sophomore defender Satchel Hart had a pair of chances in the 32nd minute. His initial shot was blocked by a Covenant defender, and then the follow-up attempt was turned aside by goalkeeper Henry Hooks. During the 76th minute, Hart tried to generate the equalizer, but his shot went over the net.
Hart and junior forward Enrique Hernandez finished with four and three shots, respectively. Stout recorded a game-high five shots for the hosts, putting a game-best two on net.
Covenant led the shots category, 13-8, and held a 6-2 advantage in shots on target. The Scots attempted six corner kicks, while LaGrange was awarded two.
The Panthers will compete against Piedmont in a USA South showdown Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. on Panther Field.
Assistant Sports Information Director Trevor Wenners can be reached at twenners@lagrange.edu.
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