COCHRAN, Ga. - The Thomas University women's soccer team lost its season-opening shootout against Middle Georgia Saturday afternoon, 4-3. The Night Hawks and Knights rallied back and forth in the thrilling contest before back-to-back goals in the 69th and 71st minute downed the Night Hawks. 

The Knights (2-0) were first on the board with a goal in the 13th minute before Analeice Wilkes snuck behind the defense tying the contest in the 23rd.

Wilkes continued her stellar first half performance in 36th minute, connecting with freshman Sasha Manders, who slotted her first collegiate goal as a Night Hawk.

The Night Hawks carried the 2-1 lead into halftime. 

The second half saw both teams continue to create chances, as MGA opened the scoring in the 56th minute tying the contest back, 2-2. 

Again the Night Hawks were able to respond in the 68th to go up 3-2, but a resounding Knights attack scored two goals in the 69th and 71st to recapture the lead and swing the momentum back in favor of the home team, 4-3.

TU created a few more chances after going down, but it was too little too late as the Knights held on for their second consecutive win of the 2022 season. 

In total, the Night Hawks fired ten shots and the Knights tallied eleven in the contest. MGA dominated the corner kick count 8-1. 

"Great game to start the season!! Middle Georgia is always a battle and today didn't disappoint... Very proud of the character we showed today" said Head Coach Julie Orlowski. "We were very good in the run of play today. One mistake and they capitalized. We must be better of defensive set pieces if we expect ot achieve our goals." 

Up next, the Night Hawks will travel to compete in the Mobile Classic, August 26-28, in Mobile, Alabama. 

TURNING POINT:

— MGA's two consecutive goals down the stretch proved too much to overcome as the Night Hawks fell in Cochran, Georgia.

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:

-- Analeice Wilkes impressed in the season opener, scoring two goals and picking up an assist on Saturday. 

For up-to-date information on this game and other TU Athletics, visit http://www.TUNightHawks.com.  Stay up-to-date with news, scores, photos, game summaries, play-by-play, and feature stories of TU Women's soccer by following them on Twitter at @NightHawksWSocc.