ASTON, Pa. - The Neumann University men's soccer team fell in its home opener on Tuesday evening, dropping a 3-1 result to visiting Salisbury University in non-conference action.

Gavin Ford was the Knights' lone goal scorer on the evening, while Seth Walker made four saves in goal in the loss.

With each team eager to pick up their second win of the season, the game got off to an intense start. It was a super physical game from the jump with 32 fouls being committed between the two teams. Both teams had chances to score in the opening period of play, but the game would remain scoreless until halftime. Salisbury nearly scored in the first ten minutes when a deflected through ball left a Sea Gull forward in alone behind the Neumann back-line, but a huge Walker leg save kept the game level at 0-0. The Knights also almost broke the deadlock late in the half as a floated Marlon Trejo shot from 30 yards out caromed off the cross bar.

The deadlock would be broken early in the second stanza as Salisbury drew first blood. Just 1:40 into the half, a Sea Gull shot from distance eluded the outstretched arms of Walker to give the visitors the lead. Salisbury then doubled the lead in the 64th minute when they fired home a penalty kick to make it 2-0. 

The Knights would not quit though and played their most inspired stretch of play in the game once the second goal was conceded. Just seven minutes after the tally, Neumann earned its own spot kick after a beautiful build up down the left flank led to Matt Sengphachanh being hauled down in the box. Ford's initial attempt on the penalty kick was saved, but a diving header off the rebound found the back of the net to cut the Salisbury lead to just one at 2-1 with 20 minutes to play.

The hosts continued to apply pressure over the final 20 minutes of play, but could not find an equalizer. Neumann out-shot the Sea Gulls 11-6 in the period to go along with three corner kicks, but the Knights could not take advantage of their chances. After Neumann sent numbers forward in a last ditch effort to tie the contest, Salisbury hit the hosts on the counter. With under five minutes left to play, a whipped in ball from the left flank was headed home by a Sea Gull to help seal the 3-1 victory for the visitors.

Neumann (1-2) will look to have a better home result this Saturday when the team plays host to the University of Scranton. Game-time for the non-conference contest is scheduled for 4:00 PM.