NEWPORT NEWS, VA - Christopher Newport's men's soccer team dropped a tough 4-3 decision to The College of New Jersey on day one of the Joe Pombriant/CNU Classic Friday night.

The Lions Nima Rahimi scored the first of his two goals in the 8th minute with Charlie Heydy assisting to give TCNJ an early 1-0 lead. Just over a minute later, the Captains Michael Caro tied the score at 1-1 after taking a feed from Matt Page and chipping the ball over the Lions goalkeeper for the score.

Rahimi scored his second goal of the game in the 15th minute off a nice feed from Craig Langan. Langan extended the TCNJ lead to 3-1 in the 20th minute with Anthony Staropoli assisting.

CNU's Brian Tweed cut the lead to 3-2 in the 57th minute when the lefty took a free kick and bent it around the Lions wall from about 25 yards out.

Heydt extended the Lions lead back to two goals in the 71st minute as he scored unassisted. Tweed tacked on his second score of the game just two minutes later.

Christopher Newport was hampered all night by being just a step or two ahead of TCNJ's defenders and the Captains were whistled for 11 offsides calls.

The Lions out-shot CNU, 10-8. Tommy Vieten played the first half in goal and stopped one shot. Matt Tengs relieved Vieten in the second half and made five saves.

TCNJ improves to 4-0 on the year as the Captains fall to 1-2. CNU returns to action tomorrow for day two of the Joe Pombriant/CNU Classic. Christopher Newport takes on No. 17 Kean (NJ), who lost 3-1 to York in the first game on Friday. Kick-off is set for 7:30 pm. TCNJ will take on York (PA) at 5 pm.