Franklin Springs, Ga – The Emmanuel Men's Soccer team opened conference play tonight against #20 North Greenville University. The match up was a competitive one from the start, with neither team finding the net in the first half of play. The Lions struck first with a goal by Rezhis Koxhajs midway through the 2^nd half, and that would be all Emmanuel would need to earn the 1-0 victory! With the win, the Lions move to 1-3 on the season. 

The first half was a defensive battle from the start, with the Trailblazers leading the Lions in shots, 4-1. The two teams ended the half knotted at 0-0, with neither team taking a shot on goal. 

The second half saw both teams make offensive adjustments, with the Trailblazers leading the Lions in shots, 9-6 with 5 on goal to the Lions 3. But it was the Lions who found the net first, with Rezhis Koxhajs scoring at 64:38, assisted by Nathan Walker to give the Lions a 1-0 lead. The Lions held the Trailblazers scoreless the rest of the way to earn the 1-0 victory!

"Tonight was the game we were looking for since the preseason," said Head Coach Tim Starr. "We played locked in and competed for the full 90 minutes. They showed the character that makes us who we are, Lions fighting for each other. We are going to enjoy this and lock in for the Roar War on Wednesday against another top opponent." 

Next up, the Lions will host Young Harris College in an installment of The Roar War on Wednesday at 7PM.

For more information on Emmanuel University athletics, visit goeulions.com.