CHESTER, Pa. - The Neumann University men's soccer team fell on the road at Widener University on Wednesday evening by a score of 3-1.
 
Ainsley Reid scored for the Knights in the loss, while Seth Walker made four saves in goal.
 
The opening half of play got off to a great start for Neumann, as Reid found the back of the net in the 16th minute to put the visitors out in front. A floated set-piece from Zach Desrosier was flicked on over the Widener keeper's head from close range to give the Knights the early 1-0 lead. Neumann had two chances to double its lead late in the half but each attempt was thwarted by great saves by the Pride net-minder. A Gavin Ford free kick was tipped just over the bar, while a Daniel Rival header was also just knocked over the bar.
 
With the game closing in on halftime, the Knights lost their momentum and Widener was able to capitalize. A long throw-in was tucked home off header inside the box to level the contest at 1-1 at the break.
 
Neumann came out charging to start the second stanza and nearly took back the lead off a corner kick. Desrosier connected on a strong header that rattled off the crossbar just minutes into the frame. The next corner the Knights took would see Widener flip the momentum of the game though. After the Pride cleared a loose ball out of their box, they countered down the field with most of the Neumann players up for the corner and scored against the run of play to make it 2-1.
 
The Knights fought back almost right away looking to tie up the contest but again saw a chance go beckoning. Brady Simon slipped a great ball to Reid in behind the Widener back line and the senior nearly found his second goal of the game. After cutting towards the goal he fired a laser of a shot that was parried just wide by the sprawling Pride goalkeeper.
 
The game remained the same scoreline until late in the half when Widener sealed the win with a third goal. Again off a set piece, the Pride clipped in a low driven ball that was redirected home inside the box to clinch them the 3-1 win.
 
Neumann (2-4-1) will now have a week off before returning to action next Tuesday, September 24th for a tough non-conference matchup versus Dickinson College. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM.