NEWBERRY - The Newberry men's soccer team battled Shepherd University to a narrow 1-0 defeat this afternoon at the Newberry Soccer Complex. Shepherd's early goal following a foul in the first 15 minutes of the game proved to be enough to outlast the Indians. With the loss, Newberry drops to 5-5-1 overall and 1-3 in the South Atlantic Conference. Shepherd picks up their 10th win of the season as they improve to 10-1-1 overall and 2-1 in conference play.

Shepherd jumped out early to gain most of the momentum. This early surge propelled the Rams to the game's only goal. After a Newberry foul was called, midfielder Guilherme Fonseca (Guaruja, Brazil) set up for a direct kick. Fonseca passed into the box to forward Richard Smith (Gaithersburg, Md.), who passed back outside to a wide open Jamie Ritchie (Remington, Va.). Ritchie blasted the ball over Indian keeper Bryan Linn (Safety Harbor, Fla.) in the 14th minute. Fonseca and Smith were awarded assists on the well-orchestrated play. Both teams continued to pressure late in the half, but neither was able to produce any viable shots.

The second half started out much like the first, but the Indians were able to create some chances, frustrating the Ram defenders. Newberry started to put some things together by pressuring Shepherd into some mishandles and mistakes. However, the Indians couldn't get the touches they needed to produce a goal. Forward Sammy Siasia (Atlanta, Ga.) and defender Jeff Bell (Johnston, S.C.) had open opportunities late in the game, but the Rams were able to hold on.

Linn gave up the game's only goal, while freshman Will Dieterich (Tampa, Fla.) came up with five second-half saves. Shepherd's Pat Quinn (Germantown, Md.) made two stops. The Rams out shot the Indians 9-8.

Up next for Newberry is a home contest against Davis & Elkins College on October 7th. The action begins at 4:30 p.m. as the Indians host the Town of Prosperity (TOP) Youth Soccer Day. Shepherd stays on the road as they face Eastern Mennonite on October 6th at 4:30 p.m.