Columbus, Ga. --The Shorter Men's Soccer team started off the season on a disappointing note as Eckerd College topped the Hawks, 3-0.
 
Early on Shorter appeared to be the better of the two with Eckerd allowing the Hawks to control possession; which in turn created many good chances with the best coming from a Christopher Cummins header forcing the goal keeper to tip onto the bar, but Shorter wasn't able to capitalize.
 
The Hawks then allowed two corners to come in quick succession with the second leading to a goal by Marcus Lorhmann. Four minutes later a penalty was called that left Nicolas Ferrigno unprotected, and ultimately gave the Tritons the 2-0 lead. Trailing, Shorter pushed on and managed to get some dangerous crosses, but was unable to create any clear cut opportunities.
 
Shorter was forced to make some adjustments which paid off as the Hawks were able to create more chances. Notably, Lucas Cavenco found Cummins at the back post, fortunately for Eckerd the ball struck the crossbar. Lawrence Heard then forced the Eckerd keeper to make a save. Again, Shorter pushed, this time with Josh Addinal finding Cavenco down the left side, but a penalty was called stopping the advance.
 
In the 58th minute the Tritons added to their lead on another penalty kick from Nick Johnson.
 
Shorter continued to fight for a goal and had claims for a penalty kick of their own, however, the game finished with the Hawks on the losing end of a 3-0 decision.
 
"Not the season opener we envisioned, but certainly one of those game where the score doesn't reflect the content of the match," head coach Paulo Neto commented. "We played a very organized team, very compact defensively and highly efficient on counters. With that said, they scored on three set pieces. Realistically they didn't have any other chances. We on the other hand dominated possession and created two great goal opportunities and several half chances but were not able to finish them. Bottom line we need to improve in every aspect of the game."
 
Shorter has the chance to redeem itself on Sunday as take on Lincoln Memorial at noon.