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NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- The Captains struck first, but a pair of second-half goals by Greensboro College (5-4-2) proved to be enough for the Pride as CNU suffered its first loss in seven games, 2-1. The Captains fall to 6-3-1 overall this season with the setback in the non-conference finale against their former conference rivals. 

Meeting for the 46th time in program history, the series is one of the closest for CNU men's soccer as the Pride held a 21-20-4 advantage heading into the weekday matchup. Christopher Newport would be unable to even the score, though, despite a goal from Ryan Balfour in the 11th minute of play. The loss ends CNU's modest five-game winning streak. 

The Captains withstood an early barrage from the Pride, including a nice defensive save from midfielder Mark Brewington. Off a corner kick, Greensboro's Liam Buckley directed a header back post, where Brewington denied the shot for the save. 

Then, just as things were looking bleak, the Captains responded with a goal after a corner kick in the 11th minute. CNU's first chance was turned away by the defense, but after the clearance was played right to the foot of Sean Christein, he served in another perfect pass. The sophomore defender sent the cross back post, where Balfour leaped in front of his defender and headed the ball into the goal. 

CNU would get two more shots on-goal in the half, but held just a 1-0 advantage at the break. Just under ten minutes into the second half, the Pride answered with their first goal of the game. Kyle Giscombe fought through contact at the top of the box to reach Earl Floyd on the run down the right side. Floyd would then chip the Captains keeper for the equalizer. 

In the 72nd minute, another chance from the top of the box proved to be the gamewinner from Scott Faytol. His first goal of the season came after he won a 50-50 ball against his defender and then shot a hard ball into the bottom left corner of the goal. 

Greensboro held a 13-9 advantage in shots, and a 6-5 edge in shots on-goal. The Captains upped the pressure down the stretch, but saw a pair of shots miss just high of the goal in the waning minutes. 

Senior goalkeeper Sean Killion suffered his first loss of the season, making three saves in the contest. Balfour led the Captains attack, with a pair of shots on-goal. 

CNU will need a short memory on tonight's game as they look ahead to a huge conference matchup this weekend. The Captains travel to 4th-ranked York College (Pa.) (9-1-0, 1-0-0) on Saturday, October 5 at 3:00 pm.  The Spartans will provide live stats and a live video webcast of the game, with links available at CNUsports.com.