LEXINGTON, Ky.—Transylvania University's men's soccer team came up just short in its attempts to stay unbeaten on Monday as they dropped a tight game to the visiting Belhaven University Blazers by a score of 2-1.

With temperatures well into the 90s, physicality and offensive intensity soared as both teams had players receive a red card and four yellows were also issued. Belhaven also committed 16 fouls in the match.

The Pioneers came up with 12 shots in the game, including a barrage of attempts late to try and even the score at two but six saves from the Blazer's goalkeeper kept Transy at bay. Transylvania opened the game with several scoring opportunities, including a good look at net from sophomore Riley Calhoon at the 10:45 mark but a save from Belhaven thwarted his efforts.

Belhaven would push ahead several minutes later with a goal to take a 1-0 advantage. The Pioneers threatened several more times in the half but were unable to knot the score before the first half ended, sending the teams to the break with the Blazers in front by one.

In the second half, Belhaven extended their leady early with a goal in the 51st minute to push the score to 2-0. The Pioneers would respond with two good looks at the goal ten minutes later but several Blazer defenders stepped into the shooting lane and blocked the shot attempts.

Transy would get on the board with 13 minutes to play in the game. Freshman Thomas Shellenberg put a shot attempt on goal on a cross from the right wing but it was saved. On the ensuing rebound attempt, freshman Kent Maidens was fouled in the box, giving the Pioneers a penalty kick opportunity.

Senior Nick Blackwell to the kick for Transylvania, burying the PK in the bottom right corner, well out of arms reach of the Belhaven keeper to make the score 2-1.

In the closing minutes of the game the Pioneers pressed players high in an attempt to draw the game even and had several quality chances to score but could not get the tying goal they were looking for as the game ended 2-1 in favor of the Blazers.

"I thought our team played well and controlled a good portion of the match.  They were an athletic and physical team that also had several players who were quite good on the ball.  I was happy with how our team responded after giving up 2 unfortunate goals," said head coach Matt Vogel.  "I thought we came out with a lot of fight and continued to battle... we gave ourselves several very good opportunities near the end of the game."

The Pioneers return to play on Saturday as they travel to Franklin, Ind. to take on Carroll University. That game is scheduled to kick off at 5:00pm