(Posted September 2, 2006)

Hiram 3, Juniata 1 Marietta, Ohio - The Juniata College men?s soccer team opened its 2006 season with an impressive first half of soccer, but did not get the results they needed in the final 45 minutes as the Eagles dropped a 3-1 decision to Hiram College in an opening day match at the 2006 Marietta Soccer Classic. After falling behind early in the first half after an unassisted goal by Hiram?s David Krems Juniata answered just minutes before the half. Fred McNeal (Troy/Towanda) scored Juniata?s first goal of the season seven minutes before halftime to knot the match at one. Juniata controlled the play in the first half, out-shooting Hiram 9-3. but Hiram keeper Nate Rausch made eight of his 10 saves in the first 45 minutes to keep the match level. Juniata?s Mark Guthridge (DuBois/DuBois) made one save in the first period. Guthridge was called on far more in the second half as Hiram began carrying the play offensively. Guthridge kept the opponent at bay with five second-half saves, before Hiram took the lead for good in the 82nd minute on a goal from Matt Urban. An insurance goal came just five minutes later as Matt Saenz found the back of the net to give Hiram the decisive 3-1 lead. Juniata finished with 11 shots in the contest, and Guthridge closed the match with six saves. Juniata will play in the tournament consolation match on Sunday, where the Eagles will take on either host Marietta or Richard Stockton (N.J.). ###

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Contact April Feagley at feaglea@juniata.edu or (814) 641-3131 for more information.