HATTIESBURG, Miss. – The Louisiana State University of Alexandria men's soccer (1-1-0) fell 2-0 to No. 20 William Carey University (2-0-1) in a non-conference match.
 
"We showed some really good character against a top side," LSUA Head Coach Mackenzie Young said. "We learned a lot about ourselves as a team tonight and are excited for what's to come."
 
The Crusaders struck first and early. They were the beneficiaries of a free kick just outside the 18 and Joshua Salas converted the opportunity for a 1-0 advantage.  William Carey controlled the possession game in the opening 15 minutes, resulting in just three shots.
 
Valeriu Tarlev made his first stop of the night in the 16^th minute, turning away a shot from Djordje Djukovic. Tarlev finished the evening with two saves.
 
Chances were few and far between in the first half. Both William Carey's and LSUA's back lines kept their respective 18's clean, clearing any would-be scoring chance. The Generals made a push in the 28^th minute, driving to the top of the 18 where Federico Gilardi attempted to feed a low cross into the box but it was snuffed out by Crusaders keeper Henry Hampshaw.
 
Alfie Lee took the Generals' first shot a minute later but it was blocked by a Crusaders' defender.
 
The remainder of the half went quietly as neither team sustained an offensive rhythm. The Generals took their only corner kick of the opening stanza in the 40^th minute. Lee's shot in the 29^th minute was the last attempt by either side.
 
William Carey managed a pair of chances in the opening 3:30 of the second half. The first came on a corner kick that was sent long. The second came on a headed effort by Kolby Godbolt which went over the crossbar.
 
A throw-in deep in Crusaders territory in the 64^th minute led to the Generals' first chance of the second half. Joshua Angel Craven sent a header towards the far post, but Hampshaw punched it away to keep William Carey's 1-0 lead intact. In the 70^th minute, Gilardi sent a shot whistling over the crossbar.
 
The Crusaders added an insurance marker in the 76^th minute. Caoimhin McConnell took advantage of a turnover inside the Generals' third and slipped his shot into the back of the net.
 
William Carey's pressure generated two more shots in quick succession in the 81^st and 82^nd minutes. The first was sent high by Djukovic. The second from Rico Duggan called Tarlev into action for his second save of the night. The Crusaders out shot the Generals 11-2.
 
LSUA returns home for Saturday's (August 24) match against the University of Science and Arts (Okla.). Kick-off is scheduled for 1:30 PM.