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LYNCHBURG, Va. -- In a showdown between two of the top teams in the South Atlantic region, host Lynchburg College (5-0-2) squeaked out a 2-1 win over the 9th-ranked Christopher Newport Captains (6-2-0), behind a late second-half goal. The teams were tied 1-1 at halftime, and looked primed for an overtime battle when Zach Thomas delivered the game-winning blow with just over three minutes remaining.

Playing on a rain-soaked pitch at Shellenberger Field, the Captains could not gain traction against the Hornets defense, suffering back-to-back losses for the first time since the 2013 season. It was also the first time this season the Captains were held to fewer than two goals in a game. 

The first half featured a back-and-forth affair that saw both teams find quality chances on goal. Lynchburg took a 1-0 lead in the 36th minute when Adam Reynolds found Ben Grossfuss for the score. The lead would only hold for about five minutes of game action, when CNU junior Andrew Gogolin found the back of the net with a nifty chip over the goalkeepers head. 

After the first 45 minutes of action, things were even across the board, with both teams taking five shots, three corner kicks combined and three total saves in the contest. 

In the second half, things shifted in favor of Lynchburg for the bulk of the half, as CNU's sophomore goalkeeper Zach Pedini was forced to make three saves. The toughest chance came on a low bouncer from just outside the box on a free kick, but Pedini handled the wet conditions and corraled the shot. 

CNU had several quality chances derailed before shot attempts, as the Lynchburg defense stood up against the Captains. On one run into the box, Patrick Burns took on two defenders, and was knocked to the ground just before getting a foot on the ball. Another solid opportunity saw Hunter Simons deliver a beautiful cross into the box on a free kick, where Jimmy Grace connected with a header, but the ball ricocheted off a Lynchburg defender and out of the scoring chance. 

With just over three minutes remaining, Lynchburg found Zach Thomas alone on the left side with just one defender to beat. He slipped past and sprinted toward the box where he placed a shot into the right side of the goal. 

Short on time, the Captains threw everything forward and got two more chances, including a free kick from 20 yards out with ten seconds remaining. Grace stepped in for the final attempt, but his shot deflected off the Lynchburg wall and the Hornets secured the win. 

This Saturday, September 24, the Captains will host York College (Pa.) in the Capital Athletic Conference regular season opener. CNU will play against the Spartans at the conclusion of the women's game, at approximately 7:00 pm.