MOUNT OLIVE – Mount Olive used a header off a throw in from Louis Gorman to score the game's only goal in the first half at the 32:35 mark as the Trojans snapped a five-game unbeaten streak in the series with the UNC Pembroke men's soccer team and give the Braves their first loss to start the season on Thursday evening.

The lone goal was served by Sean Lockett and sent into the net from 12 yard out past freshman keeper Kenneth Perkinson who notched three saves throughout his first 90 minutes in goal.

The visiting Braves (0-1) were outshot by the Trojans (1-0) by a 13-10 margin, but managed a 6-6 tie in shots during the second stanza. The Black and Gold controlled all six corner kicks in the final 45 minutes and finished the game with five shots on goal as junior Rico Laitinen led the way with two.

"We are obviously disappointed by the loss," said UNCP head coach Phil Hindson. "However, we will improve. We have a young team and things take time. Congratulations to Mount Olive because they are much improved and on the night, they deserved the win."

Clayton Gannaway, Branco Theis and Laitinen each tallied two shots for UNCP, while newcomers Tom Devitt and Nathan Legge, and seniors Sam Miles and Brett Luccia added one shot apiece. Four different Trojans registered two shots throughout the contest, while Nick Bernsdorf posted to clean sheet for Mount Olive with his four saves.

The aggressive game saw three yellow cards on UNCP, while Mount Olive added a red card along with a trio of yellow cards. Of the seven cautions and ejections, five occurred in the final 45 minutes. 

The Braves will open up the home portion of their 2014 schedule on Wednesday with a 7 p.m. tilt against regional foe Wingate (0-1) at Varsity Grounds. Admission to all 2014 home soccer matches is free.