Salem, VA – The Oberlin College men's soccer team suffered a 1-0 season-opening defeat at Roanoke College on Friday evening.
 
The Yeomen created plenty of chances throughout the 90-minute affair, but couldn't find a way to cash in, dropping their first lid-lifter since 2011.
 
Oberlin had a chance early in the 10^th minute as a deflected ball ended up at the feet of Trenton Bulucea but his attempt went right at the Maroons' keeper Alex Sullivan. Shortly thereafter it was the hosts who got on the board as Atticus Cooke volleyed in a cross from Anthony Zarlenga for what proved to be the game's lone goal.
 
The Yeomen picked up the offensive intensity early in the second half as Michael Candelori and Wyeth Carpenter each sailed shots wide of target while Charlie Stube had his attempt turned away by the Maroons second-half goalie, Zach Behe.
 
The most promising scoring chance for the Yeomen came at the 68-minute mark as Jiadi Cheng put one off the post for what would have been the game-tying tally. Deeper into the second session, Oberlin was awarded a free kick from 25 yards out, but Behe tracked down Julian Klingen's shot from distance.
 
The Yeomen would earn a pair of late corners, however, both chances were thwarted by the Maroons' rearguard as they held on for the victory to move to 31-4-6 in just over four seasons at Kerr Stadium.
 
Roanoke ended with a 10-7 edge in shots with both teams putting three attempts on frame. Oberlin won the corner kick battle 3-1 in a physical affair that featured 25 fouls.
 
Sophomore Fiachra McDonagh went all 90 minutes between the pipes, making two saves.
 
Oberlin is back in action tomorrow evening against Lynchburg College. The first touch is set for 5 p.m.