Pfeiffer lost its first match since November 16, 2014 on Sunday.
For the first time since November 16, 2014, the Pfeiffer men's soccer team (3-1) came out on the losing end of a contest as Lynn (5-0) broke the Falcons 28 game winning streak on Sunday afternoon in a matchup of the past two national champions. Pfeiffer's undefeated streak will go down as the second longest stretch in Division II history, just six shy of the all-time record set in 2000.
"We have to tip our hats to Lynn, they are a great team," commented 2015 National Coach of the Year Bob Reasso. "We will take our 'L' like men and move on. It's been a great run and now it's time to go on another one."
Post game quote from @breasso on team's first loss since Nov. 2014. #BraveFalcons pic.twitter.com/OwTppDu6xe
â Pfeiffer Athletics (@PfeifferSports) September 11, 2016
Playing without Captain Jorge Buzzo, the Falcons seemed unsettled as the Fighting Knights came out early and took the advantage. In the 17th minute, Christoph Maug took a shot that deflected off a Pfeiffer defender and got past keeper Tomas Correa to give Lynn the lead. On the play, defender Juan Sanchez went down with contact to the head, but the ref elected let the play continue. Maug, who created the contact with Sanchez, ended up scoring the goal. The first half would end with Lynn holding an 8-4 advantage in shots on the hot afternoon.
The Fighting Knights extended their lead to 2-0 in the 56th minute as Alun Webb sent a cross that Jack Watson put past Correa. Pfeiffer refused to go down easily as reigning National Player of the Year Nathan Regis connected in the 70th minute off a terrific pass from Jaime Siaj. However, despite a valiant effort in the final 20 minutes, the Falcons were unable to net an equalizer.
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Despite the loss, Reasso was encouraged by the performance of his team against a pair of tough opponents this weekend.
"We wanted to test ourselves with strong opponents and we played two of the best teams in the country on any level. To come away with a win over Palm Beach Atlantic and a 2-1 road loss to the number four team in the nation is encouraging."
For the afternoon, Lynn held an 11-6 advantage in shots. Pfeiffer held the advantage in corner kicks at 8-4 and the teams were whistled for 36 combined fouls.
Correa suffered his first career loss, dropping to 19-1. The sophomore made four saves in the losing effort.
Pfeiffer looks to rebound as they begin Conference Carolinas action on Saturday evening when they host Southern Wesleyan at 7 p.m.
