CHARLOTTE, N.C.- The Queens University of Charlotte men's soccer team suffered their first loss of the 2023 season to UNC Asheville 3-1 on Friday night at Dickson Field. Giuliano Lucca scored his first career goal with the Royals in the loss as he recorded four shots and three on goal.
 
Scoring Summary
21'- UNCA- Brendan Herb (Assist Conor Behan)
45'- UNCA- Jack Steel (Assist Sergio Baguena)
47'- Queens- Giuliano Lucca (Unassisted)
64'-UNCA- Conor Behan (Assist Brendan Herb)
 
Turning Point
The Royals made key adjustments heading into the second half and it paid quick dividends as senior Giuliano Lucca scored his first goal of the season in the 47th minute. Lucca scored the goal off his left foot and swayed momentum towards Queens despite two first-half goals for the Bulldogs. The Royals were able to stay competitive after goalkeeper Javier Izquierdo-Cuerva recorded two consecutive saves on a penalty kick from Bulldog midfielder Brendan Herb in the 66th minute. These adjustments were not enough as Conor Behan and Herb each finished with a goal and assist in Asheville's victory.
 
Key Stats & Notes

• In the 47th minute, senior midfielder Giuliano Lucca scored his first goal as a member of the Royals. In Monday night's victory over Winthrop, the University of Albany transfer had two shots, including one on goal,
• Freshman midfielder Cole Pumpian recorded his first shot and shot on goal in his collegiate career in the 42nd minute.
• Queens was penalized with seven yellow cards in the match. It is the most yellow cards against the Royals since September 4, 2016, in a match against Limestone University.
• Following a goal on Monday against Winthrop, junior Samuel Indinge recorded two shots and now has three on the season.
• In a physical match, UNC Asheville was called for 19 fouls and Queens was called for nine
• Forward Louis Goldsack turned in a shot for the second consecutive match to begin the season.
• Freshman Lauri Kesti made his first career collegiate appearance. The Finland native played 64 minutes and finished with a shot.
• In the 76th minute, Sophomore Michel Feldman recorded his first shot attempt of the season. He also played a career-high 45 minutes in the match.

 
Up Next
Queens will travel to Columbia, South Carolina next Friday, September 8th for a 7:00 PM kick-off against the South Carolina Gamecocks. The Royals fell to the Gamecocks last season in Columbia 3-1 and Queens is 0-2 all-time against South Carolina. The Royals will return home on Tuesday, September 12th for a 6:00 PM kick-off against the UNC Wilmington Seahawks at Dickson Field.
 
Social Media
Be sure to follow the Queens Men's Soccer team on Twitter and Instagram throughout the 2023 season to get the latest news and updates. Fans are also encouraged to follow Queens Athletics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok to keep up with all the Royals in action.