In a meeting of two teams in need of a win, Eastern Mennonite locked up with Virginia Wesleyan Saturday in Virginia Beach. The Royals were saddled in a season-opening offensive slump, while VWC wasn't living up to preseason expectations either. The game stayed tight and wasn't decided until the Marlins got a late goal for a 2-1 win.

EMU withstood a full blast of Virginia Wesleyan's offense to start the game, with keeper Ryan Baker (Newport News, Va./Menchville) making three saves in the first 2:36. In the 14th minute, the Marlins notched the first goal, putting in a rebounded shot off the post.

In the 35 minute, EMU's Jay Shearer (Harrisonburg, Va./Turner Ashby) returned the favor. Philip Yoder (Keezletown, Va./Spotswood) fired a shot which the VWC keeper punched out for a save. But Shearer was right there to scoop up the rebound and knock it in for the equalizer.

The game stayed tied until the second half. Virginia Wesleyan controlled a stretch midway through the period, finally sticking in a header in the 73rd minute.

The Royals tried to push for another equalizer, but the Marlins only allowed one more shot in the final 17 minutes, handing the men a 2-1 loss.

Baker finished with eight saves as EMU was outshot 10-5 in shots on goal. Eastern Mennonite spread the attack around, with Yoder the only player to take more than one shot.

Virginia Wesleyan had a 7-3 advantage in corner kicks and also had more offsides, 7-0.

The loss is the fifth straight for the Royals, who slip to 1-7. The men are also 0-2 in conference play. Next up is a hosting of local rival Bridgewater on Wednesday, Sept. 22 at 7:00pm.