Thomasville, Ga. – The Thomas University men's soccer team lost, 2-0, to Truett McConnell University (Ga.) in the season opener Saturday afternoon at the TU Soccer Complex. 

Truett McConnell first scored in the 21st minute, then added a second in the 38th to take the victory. 

Thomas led TMU in shots (13-7), but trailed, 5-4, in shots on goal. Junior Jack Chambers attempted a pair of shots on goal, while junior Gavin Rochford-Smith attempted five shots, one of which was on goal. 

TU senior goalkeeper Lee Howarth made three saves and allowed a pair of goals. 

TU attacked first, but junior Sam Eyes' first shot of the season was blocked in the fifth minute. TMU came back with a pair of corner kicks in the 13th minute and took its first shot at 17:50. Then the Bears scored in the 21st minute to take the 1-0 lead. 

Thomas took a corner two minutes later, then freshman Y'Sef Glass attempted a shot, which was wide right. Howarth saved a shot and a header before TMU scored an unassisted goal at 38:35 to go ahead, 2-0. 

Sophomore Mateo Arbalaez' header sailed high and sophomore Nicola Monelli and Rochford-Smith each attempted a shot that was blocked in the final seven minutes of the half. 

Junior Mark Lescher started the second period with a shot at 48:32, which was saved by TMU. In the final 14 minutes of the game, Thomas attempted five shots, including one from Rochford-Smith and two from Chambers that were on goal. 

Thomas returns to the pitch on August 30 to face Missouri Baptist. The match begins at 2:30 p.m. at the TU Soccer Complex.