Wednesday night was the opening of the 46th season in the history of the Eastern Mennonite University men's soccer program. The Royals started off the campaign with a road game at Shenandoah University in Winchester, Va., and were surprised early by the Hornets. Two first-half goals changed the game as EMU went down in defeat, 3-0.

In the 11th minute, Shenandoah got its first sting with a goal from Kyle Farrell. Fifteen minutes later, Jarod Clyburn made it 2-0 in favor of the Hornets.

Eastern Mennonite had looks of its own in the first half, launching four corner kicks. But the Royals couldn't find the net and remained down by two.

With the lead in the second stanza, the home team pulled back on the attack and EMU couldn't break through. Shenandoah snuck in a late goal on a counterattack to provide the final deficit, 3-0.

The Royals were outshot 18-10 in the loss, including 8-5 in shots on goal. Mitchell Leap (Harrisonburg, Va./Eastern Mennonite) and Ryan Eshleman (Harrisonburg, Va./Eastern Mennonite) each had a pair of shots on target.

EMU split the game between two keepers. Freshman Ryan Baker (Newport News, Va./Menchville) played the first frame and made five saves while giving up two scores. Fellow rookie Hayden Miller (New Market, Va./Stonewall Jackson) came in for the second half and allowed the one goal.

Next up for the men is a tournament hosted by Frostburg State. EMU opens with Allegheny on Friday and will play either Wilmington or host Frostburg State on Saturday.