FREDERICKSBURG, Va. -- Taking on nationally-ranked Mary Washington on the road Saturday, the Christopher Newport men's soccer team battled tough but again suffered a 1-0 setback in conference play. The Captains fell to 6-8-0 overall and 2-4-0 in Capital Athletic Conference action after the team's fourth loss by a score of 1-0 in league play. 

Once again, the CNU offense outshot their opponent, but the tough season continued for the Captains when a Mary Washington goal was scored in the 80th minute of play. All eight of Christopher Newport's losses this season have been by a margin of just one goal. 

Playing in front of a Homecoming crowd of nearly 700 at the Battlefields in Fredericksburg, Va., the Captains controlled most of the offensive action in the first half. CNU rookies Will Collins and Tanner Dail notched the first shots of the day in the first 15 minutes, while sophomore Davis Pillow had a header go just wide. 

Senior goalkeeper Zach Pedini made a save in the 18th minute on a shot by Idrissa Barrie, but only faced two shots on-frame in the first half. The Captains' defense held the home team to just five shots in the first 45 minutes. 

After the break, the Captains continued to pressure Mary Washington keeper, Ken Kurtz, with shots on-frame. Jordan Boone and Stephen Durbin had shots on-goal but each attempt was turned away by Kurtz. 

In the 80th minute, Gary Foley found Ryan Van Maanen for the game-winning goal. With short time, CNU threw everything forward and got shots from Dail and senior Daniel Zeitoun. Zeitoun's attempt was on-goal, but Kurtz picked up his six save of the afternoon to hold on for the shutout. The Captains nearly found the equalizer off a corner kick in the final minute of regulation when Zeitoun took a corner kick and found Daniel Hulett in the box for a header. His shot was destined for the back of the net, but an Eagles defender cleared it off the line to save the game for the Eagles. 

CNU will close out the regular season on Wednesday, October 24 at home against St. Mary's College of Maryland (11-2-3, 4-1-1). The Seahawks are tied with Mary Washington for first place in the league standings. Kickoff is scheduled from Captains Field at 7:00 pm