LAKE WALES, Fla. – Offensive struggles continue for the Royals men's soccer team as they dropped their third game in a row on Saturday evening, in a 3-0 loss to Thomas University (Ga.). The visiting Nighthawks came into the match on a high after being awarded the No. 1 spot on the NAIA Coaches Top-25 Poll this past Monday. The loss drops the Royals to 3-6 overall and 1-3 in Sun Conference play. The Nighthawks remain undefeated in their 2014 campaign with a 9-0-2 overall record and a conference best 4-0 record.
The Nighthawks needed just over three minutes to get on the score sheet, thanks to a goal from Serevin Abt at the 3:26 mark. After going down early, the Royals put some pressure on the Nighthawks defensive core, recording six first half shots and drawing four corners.
After the break, the Royals weren't able to get much going on the offensive side of the ball, being outshot 7-2. The Nighthawks tacked on two more goals in the 71st and 86th minute of the second half. The Royals fought until the final whistle to try and get a goal back but were unsuccessful, and for the third time in a row were blanked by their opponent.
The Royals will hit the road for their next three games, all of which are Sun Conference matchups. On Wednesday, Oct. 8 the Royals head to West Palm Beach, Fla. to take on Northwood University. Then on Oct. 11, Johnson & Wales University will host the Royals in North Miami, Fla. The Royals final road game of the three-game set comes on Oct. 15 in Daytona Beach, Fla. as the Royals will take on the Eagles of Embry-Riddle University.
