Atchison, Kan. – The Friends University Men's Soccer Falcons fell behind by three scores and went on to a 4-1 setback in the 2024 season opener at Benedictine College tonight (Aug. 20) in Atchison, Kan.
Three different Ravens accounted for the 3-0 lead, starting with goals by Norberto Montero in the 20th minute and Nima Samadian at the 33:47 mark of the opening half.
Diego Acuna then found the back of the net nearly 10 minutes into the second half for the Ravens' third goal.
Eddy Rachedi made sure the Falcons wouldn't be shutout by scoring in the 65th minute of action, but Fabian Viquez put it away for Benedictine with a goal at the 74:10 mark.
The Falcons were outshot 16-8 overall and 12-5 on-goal, with Rachedi and Caique Pereira each tallying three shots and two shots-on-goal.
Making his first career start at goalkeeper, Arturo Pombo-Palomero made seven saves with four goals allowed for Friends. Noah Reuscher gave up the lone goal and stopped three shots for the Ravens before giving way to Carlos Flores for the final 25:13.
The Falcons will now host (RV) Briar Cliff University in their home opener Saturday (Aug. 24), with kickoff set for 1 pm at Adair-Austin Stadium.
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