#12 Emory Falls to Lynchburg in Second Round of NCAA Championships

The season came to an end for the 12th-ranked Emory University men's soccer team Sunday night, as the Eagles fell to Lynchburg College 2-1 in the second round of the NCAA Division III Men's Soccer Championships.

After a scoreless first half, Emory struck early in the second frame on a header goal from Nick Jones, off a pass from Adam Waxman in the 52^nd minute.  The goal was the third of the season for Jones, and the first career assist for the senior defender Waxman.

However, Lynchburg would even the match in the 61^st minute, as senior defender Matthew Rowe was able to intercept a clearing pass by the Emory defense just outside of the box, and blasted a shot past Eagles' goalkeeper Trenton Spindler and into the back of the net.  The goal was Rowe's second of the campaign.

Lynchburg would take the lead in the 82^nd minute, as Shawn Bender struck for his fifth score off the season, converting a header off a Shane Spanninger corner kick.   Emory would launch five shots in the final five minutes of play, but were unable to find the back of the net.

The Eagles finished the match with a 22-12 advantage in shot, and a 9-7 bump in shots on goal over the Hornets. 

Freshman goalkeeper Michael Relaford made seven saves in the contest, and raised his record to 14-2-1 with the victory.  Emory's Spindler made five saves in the losing effort, falling to 13-3-2 on the year.

Lynchburg, now 17-4-1 on the season, advances to face top-ranked Trinity University in the third round of the tournament next weekend.  Emory will end its season with a 14-3-2 record.