Banner Elk, N.C. – The King University men's soccer team battled one of the top teams in Conference Carolinas for 90 minutes on Wednesday evening but ultimately fell 1-0 to Lees-McRae at Tate Field.
After a scoreless first half, the Tornado defense stood strong against constant pressure from the Bobcats, keeping the match even through the opening 45 minutes. Lees-McRae finally broke through in the 67th minute when Andrea Marrazzo found the back of the net off an assist from Conor O'Gorman, giving the home side a 1-0 advantage.
King continued to push for a late equalizer, earning five second-half corner kicks and creating opportunities in the attacking third. However, the Tornado were unable to find the breakthrough as Lees-McRae held on for the conference victory.
The Tornado recorded four shots in the contest, with Valentin Kretschmer and Jadon Morgan each placing a shot on target. Goalkeeper Miles Lett turned in a strong performance, making seven saves while facing a Lees-McRae attack that produced 20 shots and 11 corner kicks.
Defensively, King limited the Bobcats to a single goal despite sustained pressure throughout the match, keeping the contest within reach until the final whistle.
INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final: Lees-McRae 1, King (TN) 0
Records: Lees-McRae (6-0-2, 3-0-2 CC); King (TN) (0-7-0, 0-4-0 CC)
Site: Tate Field (Banner Elk, N.C.)
STATS OF THE MATCH:
• Miles Lett: 7 saves in goal for King
• King: 4 shots (2 on goal), 5 corner kicks
• Lees-McRae: 20 shots (8 on goal), 11 corner kicks
• Andrea Marrazzo (LMC): 1 goal
• Conor O'Gorman (LMC): 1 assist
• Valentin Kretschmer (King): 1 shot, 1 shot on goal
• Jadon Morgan (King): 1 shot, 1 shot on goal
• Jacob Landles (King): 1 shot
• Cian McGoey (King): 1 shot
NOTES:
• Lees-McRae held a 20-4 advantage in total shots and an 11-5 edge in corner kicks.
• Attendance at Tate Field was 107.
UP NEXT:
King returns home on Saturday, September 26, when the Tornado host Chowan in Conference Carolinas action. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. in Bristol, Tenn..
