Box Score CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Queens University of Charlotte men's soccer team hosted Clayton State University this evening in a non-conference match at Dickson Field. The Royals fell 2-1 to the Lakers after fighting to overcome an early two-goal deficit. Queens now sits at 2-7 on the year, while the Lakers improve to 4-4-1.
 
Despite the Royals outshooting the Lakers 7-4 in the opening half, Queens would find itself trailing 2-0 in the 22^nd minute of play. Clayton State's Avery Shepard found the back of the net first on a header off of a corner kick in the 12^th minute, and Jonny Evans scored a goal on a cross that was deflected into the net by Queens keeper, Montrell Morgan, soon after.
 
It appeared as if the Royals would head into the locker room at the break trailing by the two goals, but freshman forward Philip Makhlouf had other plans for his squad playing until the final whistle of the half. Makhlouf, having received the ball from Marc-Kevin Schwenk, was able to take advantage of Clayton State's keeper, Nick Punter, coming out of the net, chipping the ball over him and into the goal with one second on the clock to bring his team within one at the half.
 
Once again the Royals outshot the Lakers in the second half, 8-5, but neither team was able to put the ball in the net as both teams increased their pressure on the defensive end. Queens' Morgan stayed active in the period breaking up many of the Lakers' scoring opportunities, while Clayton State's backline didn't allow the Royals much room to breathe.  
 
Morgan finished play with two saves in goal, while Punter totaled three. Schwenk and Makhlouf led the Royals with four shots apiece, while Ryan Ejezie added three.
 
The Royals are back at home on Sunday against Newberry College at 2 p.m.