Despite scoring the first goal, the EMU soccer men found themselves on the short end of a 3-1 decision against Lebanon Valley Wednesday night.  The non-conference loss drops the Royals to 2-3 on the year before they open ODAC play this weekend.

Each team had their chances early, but Eastern Mennonite hit the net first.  After a flurry of shots, David Hooley (Bluffton, Ohio/Bluffton) rocketed in a shot to make it 1-0 in the 22nd minute, getting an assist from Christian Rhine (Palmyra, Pa./Palmyra).

Four minutes later, the Dutchmen got an equalizer on a surprise goal on a breakaway.  Less than a minute before halftime, the aggressive visitors again make a strike, taking a 2-1 lead into the break.

Lebanon Valley added another goal in the 69th minute, and then withstood four shots from the Royals the rest of the way to ice the decision.

Eastern Mennonite had a 9-6 edge in shots on goal but could only crack the net once.  Hooley and Dilmer Martinez (Dayton, Va./Turner Ashby) each had a pair of shots on goal.

Keeper Andrew Yoder (Harrisonburg, Va./Eastern Mennonite) had three saves in the loss.

EMU stays at home on Saturday, welcoming in traditional power Virginia Wesleyan in their ODAC opener.  Game time is 7:00pm.