ASHLAND, Va. - The Guilford College men's soccer team traveled to the R-MC Grass Soccer Field on Saturday Afternoon, facing Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) opponent Randolph-Macon College, falling in a narrow match by a score of 1-0.
 
The Quakers dropped to 3-9-0 overall and 0-6 in ODAC play with the loss, while the Yellow Jackets, currently seventh in the conference, improved to 7-4-2 overall and 2-3-1 in ODAC competition.
 
Chris Kelley (Lexington, N.C.) got the start in goal for Guilford securing eight saves against one goal allowed among the nine shots he faced, falling to 2-8-0 in net. Adam Braithwaite improved to 7-4-2 for Randolph-Macon, making two saves among the six Quaker shot attempts.
 
Chris Hercules (Greensboro, N.C.) and Jake Carter (Madison, N.C.) led Guilford offensively, each tallying two shots, with both of Hercules' attempts being on target. Dani Santos (Port St. Lucie, Fla.) and Alex Harrison (Greensboro, N.C.) also contributed with one shot attempt apiece. Chazz Jones secured the only goal of the match, assisted by teammate, Wiley Eubank.
 
The match opened with aggressive play from both sides, leading to an early exchange of fouls as both teams sought to establish control. R-MC registered the first shot of the game with a low-centered attempt that was comfortably saved by Kelley. Minutes later, the Yellow Jackets threatened again, but Kelley made a diving save to his left to keep the score level.
 
At the 17th minute, Guilford had their first opportunity on goal, with a shot attempt by Carter, who missed it wide left, counting for the first of his two shot attempts during the contest.
 
After a pair of free kicks and offsides given to both clubs, Guilford earned a corner kick. Sent into the box, Hercules connected a shot to the lower-left side of the goal, but was rejected by Braithwhite, securing his first shot of the game.
 
The first half ended in a scoreless draw, with Randolph-Macon edging Guilford in shots, 7-5. Kelley tallied three saves, while Braithwaite made two for the Yellow Jackets.
 
In the second half, R-MC dominated possession, outshooting Guilford 15-1. The Quaker defense worked hard to maintain their clean sheet, but the deadlock was broken in the 65th minute when Chazz Jones, assisted by Wiley Eubank, scored the game's only goal.
 
The match was physical throughout, with 29 total fouls and eight yellow cards issued between the two teams, making for a busy day for the officials.
 
Guilford looks to secure their first ODAC win as they host Ferrum College at Appenzeller Field, on Wednesday, October 16. Start time is set for 7 PM. 
 
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