The Eastern Mennonite soccer men hit the road for the first time this season, traveling to Ferrum College to take on the Panthers in a Sunday contest. 

Despite a tightly-played game, the Royals fell 2-1 against the Panthers, falling to 0-3 on the season. 

Ferrum would strike first in the contest, with an early goal from Thomas Roth in the sixth minute. From there, the Panthers would hold onto the slim lead throughout the remaining minutes of the first period. 

Eastern Mennonite would tie the game with a penalty kick goal from Leiyan Kariuki (Nairobi, Kenya/ St. Patricks), his first of the year. 

The tie would be short-lived, with the Panthers answering back in less than a minute, adding another goal from Enzo Guercia. The goal would be the difference maker, with the Panthers holding on to the slim margin until the end. 

Ahmed Zaatar (Barboursville, Va./William Monroe) had another busy outing in the net, grabbing nine saves for the Royals. 

Eastern Mennonite will be back in action this Thursday, Mar. 11 at home against crosstown rival Bridgewater.