GREENSBORO, N.C. – UNC Greensboro goalkeeper Logan Rohde turned away Longwood's bid for a second half comeback, guiding the Spartans to a 3-1 victory over the visiting Lancers Friday evening at the UNCG Soccer Stadium.
 
"We gave a decent account of ourselves against a good UNCG side and there was plenty in the game for us to be positive about, but it always hurts to lose," said Longwood head coach Jon Atkinson. "UNCG took their chances and we came up short having a number of chances ourselves."
 
Rohde made all three of his saves in the second half to allow UNCG (2-1-0) to escape a Longwood (1-1-0) rally, as the Lancers held an impressive 8-4 advantage in shots in the final period.   
 
Nicholas Downs gave the Spartans an early lead in the 19th minute off a shot from 15 yards out that beat Longwood goalkeeper Carl Carpenter into the side netting.
 
The Lancers managed to create the equalizer from Willy Miezan in the 32nd minute, who continues to the start of his Longwood career on a tear. Miezan struck after receiving the ball in the top of the 18-yard box and beating two defenders.
 
Miezan – who was named Big South Attacker of the Week Monday after registering a hat trick in his first Longwood game Friday against VMI – has scored a team-leading four goals in the first two games of the season.
 
However, UNCG struck just prior to the half off a corner kick in the 43rd minute to take a 2-1. Christopher Reingen struck a corner to the back post and Corey Croegaert headed the ball across the box to Damieon Thomas, who sent a header past Carpenter for the eventual game-winning goal. Carpenter recorded one save on the night in his second consecutive start.
 
Jaques Francois provided an insurance goal for the Spartans in the 58th minute of the game with a one-touch shot down the left-side on a cross from Quin Lema.
 
Longwood outshot the Spartans by a 12-11 margin and the teams each had seven corner kicks on the night.
 
"This was the first big test of the season and will prepare us for the remainder of the season ahead," Atkinson said.
 
Longwood will look to rebound, as the Lancers welcome Navy to the Athletics Complex Friday, Sept. 11. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.
 
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