DANVILLE, Va. — The Averett University men's soccer team dropped a hard fought 2-1 decision to LaGrange College Saturday afternoon on Daly Field at Frank R. Campbell Stadium.
 
Averett (2-13-1, 0-9-1 USA South) battled throughout the opening half of play, nearly putting the club up 1-0 in the opening minute when freshman Erik Blick blasted a shot just outside the 18-yard box that was turned away by the Panthers goalkeeper. The Cougars nearly added goals 10 minutes later off back-to-back crosses by senior Jake Searcy, the first just missing the legs of freshman Daniel Matlock and the second a wide header by Blick.
 
Following a 0-0 opening half LaGrange (10-6, 5-5 USA South) broke the stand still scoring a penalty kick goal in the 58th minute when Errick Sturm capitalized on an Averett foul inside the 18-yard box to put the Panthers up 1-0. 
 
LaGrange struck for a second goal just over five minutes later when Jude McEvoy threw a ball in from the far sideline that was headed by an Averett player to the feet of Adam Curry who found the back of the net.
 
However, Averett would not go quietly on the afternoon as Kellen Fees played a marvelous pass inside the box to the feet of Searcy, Searcy juked out the goal keeper, played a one touch and found the back of the net for his first goal of the 2018 season in the 80th minute.
 
The final 10 minutes of action Saturday would be all Cougars, as Searcy nearly added his second goal on the afternoon just under two minutes later and freshman Johnny Kummander kept the pressure on the Panthers with two shots on goal over the final two minutes. 
 
LaGrange managed to hang on for the 2-1 victory, but the young Cougars demonstrated a fight over the last 15 minutes that shows positive outcomes to come. 
 
The Cougars return back to action Sunday Oct. 21 as they host Huntingdon College for senior day on Daly Field at Frank R. Campbell Stadium, kickoff is set for 1 p.m.