Dayton, Tenn. – The Bryan College men's soccer team showed fight on both ends of the pitch Tuesday night but ultimately dropped a 4-0 decision to visiting UT Southern.

The Lions opened the match with energy, generating a pair of early corner kicks and testing the Firehawks' goalkeeper with shots from Alex Fletcher-Clifford and Clayton Encinias. Bryan continued to push forward in the opening 15 minutes, forcing five corner kicks in the first half alone.

However, Tennessee Southern's offense found its rhythm midway through the half, netting goals in the 23rd, 27th, and 35th minutes to take control. The Firehawks added a penalty kick early in the second half to cap the scoring.

Despite the scoreline, Bryan's defensive unit, led by goalkeeper Justus Feit, put in a determined shift. Feit collected seven saves on the night, denying multiple dangerous looks from close range. The Lions' back line also absorbed steady pressure, limiting the Firehawks to just one goal in the second half after the early surge.

Offensively, Bryan kept working to find the breakthrough. Zeke Lawyer, Josh Hernandez, Encinias, Fletcher-Clifford, Sammy Gomez, and Donavan Roberts all created looks at goal, while the Lions moved the ball well in wide areas and continued to press with set-piece opportunities. Bryan outnumbered Tennessee Southern in corner kicks (7-3), showing their ability to generate attacking chances throughout the match.

While the result didn't swing in the Lions' favor, Bryan now turns its focus to the start of AAC play, aiming to build on the chances created Tuesday and convert them into results.

The Lions hit the road on Saturday, heading to face off in the first AAC match up of the season against University of Pikeville in Pikeville, KY.