CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Queens University of Charlotte men's soccer team (0-4, 0-1 ASUN) suffered a non-conference loss in their home opener to Gardner-Webb (2-2) on Wednesday night at Dickson Field. Despite the loss, Queens made history in front of a men's soccer record crowd of 517 as Darren Abbey scored the Royals first goal at the Division I level.

Scoring Summary
11' – GARDNER-WEBB – Owen Zaldivar (Unassisted)
22' – QUEENS – Darren Abbey (Assist Mario Goic)
79 – GARDNER-WEBB – Aymane Sordo (Assist August Guinle)
88 – GARDNER-WEBB – Pablo Brimeux (Penalty Kick)
 
Turning Point
The turning point of the match proved to be a late Gardner-Webb goal in the second half scored by Aymane Sordo. On the attack, August Guinle sent a cross into the box from the corner before Aymane Sordo settled the ball and ripped a shot on target which deflected off Royals goalkeeper Javier Cuervo's gloves before sneaking into net. The visitors would add a late insurance goal on a penalty kick in the 88^th minute to solidify the victory.
 
Key Stats & Notes

• The Royals first goal at the Division I level came off the boot of senior defender Darren Abbey. The historic goal was the first career goal for the London native.
•  Sophomore forward Mario Goic had another phenomenal outing taking three shots and placing one on target. The Croatia native set up Abbey for the team's first goal on a free kick outside the box. Through the first four matches, Goic leads the team with 10 shots and four on goal.
• In his season debut, last year's leading goal scorer Felipe Mendonca put a pair of shots on target, including a header off the right post.
• For the second consecutive match, a total of six Royals played a full 90-minutes. Boris Basara, Mario Goic, Darren Abbey, and Javier Izquierdo-Cuervo have led the minutes with complete games in their last two matches.
• The Runnin' Bulldogs won the shooting total over the Royals 12-11 and placed five shots on goal to the Royals four.
• Queens earned plenty of solid looks on the evening earning eight corners, including five in the second half.
• The non-conference clash was a physical battle as both teams combined for 43 fouls nine cards.

 
Up Next
Queens will hit road for another three-game stretch beginning at UNC Asheville on Tuesday, Sept. 13 at 6:00 p.m. During the road test, the Royals will take on the University of South Carolina on Tuesday, Sept. 20 in their final non-conference battle before kicking off ASUN play at Lipscomb on Sept. 24.

Social Media
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