MORROW, Ga. - In a regional battle between two nationally ranked teams, the Anderson University men's soccer team opened the 2011 season by falling 5-1 to host Clayton State Friday night in the opening contest of the Laker Shootout at Laker Field.
Paced by three goals from junior forward Kenny Mena, Clayton State (1-0) claimed its third consecutive win past the Trojans, as the two teams met in the 2010 Shootout as well, with CSU blanking AU 3-0, then using a late first-half goal to hold off the Trojans in the NCAA Tournament's Sweet Sixteen.
Anderson (0-1), ranked 17th in the NSCAA preseason national poll, got on the scoreboard in the 85th minute when senior forward Lasse Sohrweide found Clement Samson in front of the net and the junior notched his first score of the season.
The Lakers held a 17-8 advantage in shots, including a 10-4 edge in shots on goal. CLSU also recorded seven corner kicks, while the Trojans notched four.
Clayton State senior goalkeeper earned the win, notching a pair of saves, while junior keeper Lukas Hesse collected five saves and went the distance between the pipes for AU.
Anderson will look to break into the win column on Saturday as
the Trojans square off against another Peach Belt opponent in USC
Aiken. Kick-off is scheduled for 5 p.m. at Laker Field.
