SALEM, Va. — The Averett University men's soccer team put No. 21 University of Lynchburg to the test in the season opener Friday evening, falling 1-0 in regulation after an early first-half score despite stellar goaltending play from junior Austin Bramhall at the All Sports Cafe Roanoke College Invitational.
 
Averett (0-1) opened the evening's showcase just minutes into action when freshman Nick Price launched Averett's lone shot of the game, forcing the Hornets goalkeeper Dylan McLaurin to be called into action, turning away the early scoring chance.
 
Lynchburg (1-0) supplied what would be the game-winning goal minutes later, when Abibi Osman managed to net an unassisted strike in the 10th minute.
 
The Hornets finished the match with 17 total shots, five of which would be rejected by Bramhall, keeping the deficit at one. 
 
Bramhall finished the contest with five key saves in 90 minutes for Averett as the Cougars succeeded in keeping one of the nation's top teams to just one goal.
 
Averett will look to carry defensive moment and break into the scoring column tomorrow as it returns back to Salem for a 7:30 p.m. meeting with host Roanoke.