Reinhardt Drops 1-0 Battle With No. 20 Georgia Gwinnett in Return to Play

By Mike DeVader, Reinhardt Director of Athletic Communications & Media

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – Reinhardt men's soccer made its return to the field on Thursday night – and did so in the spring on the road at No. 20 Georgia Gwinnett – but it was the Grizzles who secured the lone tally of the evening on a 24^th-minute score to take the match, 1-0.

It was the first time the Eagles played in live action since Nov. 22, 2020, also on the road against Milligan (Tenn.).

The hometown club is 9-2 after dropping back-to-back 1-0 decisions away from Ken White Field at University Stadium.

"There is a history of competitive matches between our two programs and tonight was no exception," head coach Joey Johnson said. "There are lessons to be learned from the match and positives to build on as we move forward with our spring season. After we conceded the goal in the first half, GGC was organized defensively and moved into deeper lines tactically, which minimized space to be exploited… They are well coached and a quality side.  Although we were able to possess and move the ball well particularly in the second half, we were unable to find the equalizer tonight.

"It takes high-level games to develop high-level players, so this is a competitive experience that can only serve to make us a stronger team if we learn from it. It was a fun night to be with the players as both teams were blessed tonight with the gift of their health and the opportunity to compete."

The shots were hard to come by as both clubs played tough defense for the entirety of the battle on the pitch. Both the Grizzlies and Eagles fought for positioning on the offensive end – and both made two saves – as Reinhardt managed only four shot attempts.

Georgia Gwinnett, who led in fouls at 8-7, doubled-up the visitors in shots, 9-4, and made one of them count at 23:43. The Eagles, who outshot the Grizzlies, 4-3, in the second half, also led in corner kicks for the match, 6-3.

Reinhardt was unable to find the back of the net after trailing, 1-0, at the break. Perhaps the play of the night came with 22:04 left in regulation after a Frans Sigurdsson shot was stopped as he was looking to knot things up.

Individually, Gian-Luca Fahling had two shots (one on-goal).

Niko Tzevelekos made a pair of saves protecting the net in defeat in 90 minutes of action.

The team comes home for a non-conference matchup against Bryan (Tenn.) on March 9 at 7 p.m.

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For more information on Reinhardt Men's Soccer, please click here.