MOUNT VERNON, Ga. - The Barons Men's Soccer restarted their fall campaign after an unplanned break from competition due to Hurricane Helene. The Barons took on Blue Mountain Christian at home on Thursday and, despite all the best efforts, came up short in an emotionally charged match. The Barons held their own, keeping the match close with back-and-forth scoring opportunities. In the 39th minute, during a corner kick, Kalifa Dabo and Andrea Abwe suffered a collision that resulted in an extended stoppage. Thankfully, with the quick response of athletic trainers Reynolds Hall and Paige Dill, they could quickly start treating Kalifa and had him talking and responsive before leaving the field. Brewton-Parker is thankful for the quick work and professionalism of the training staff from Optim Health. After the stoppage, emotions ran high, and the rest of the match slowly escalated. The Toppers scored three minutes later to take a one-nil lead into the half. The Toppers scored four minutes into the second half to take a two-goal lead. The second half saw seven cards given out, and despite the Barons scoring to cut the lead to one in the 50th minute, the damage was done, and Blue Mountain took advantage of the momentum and emotions to score three unanswered goals to win five-one.

Coach Bob Neuman shared his thoughts on their first game back, "The boys know that a performance like this isn't acceptable, and they'll definitely look to put things right, but to have dealt with the adversity of losing a teammate in such a graphic manner is difficult to overcome. But most importantly, being a Baorn is about being a family, so our thoughts and prayers are with Kalifa as he undergoes treatment for his injuries. We know that God carries him and will walk Kalifa through this," 

First Half

The Barons showed a stout defense and great attack, pressing Blue Mountain, creating scoring chances, and playing strong defense to start the match. The injury to Kalifa Dabo in the 39th minute derailed the Barons, and emotions started to take over the match as concern for their teammate took over. The Toppers managed to score three minutes later to take the lead. Two yellow cards were given out during the first half just prior to the injury, one for each team in the 38th minute. 

Second half

In the second half, the Barons conceded another goal four minutes after the half. Taha Sekkat scored off a penalty shot after a foul in the box during the 50th minute to cut the lead to one. After the penalty shot, emotions finally boiled over, and the cards started flying. Blue Mountain took three straight yellow cards between the 57th and 69th minute, including a yellow card on the bench for an illegal substitution. Narnnam Kongsappaisal was given a yellow card during the 76th minute, and the Toppers capitalized on the chance, scoring to bring the lead back to two. Just over a minute later, the Toppers scored again, taking their lead to three. Francisco Martins was given a red card in the 78th minute. Blue Mountain was awarded another yellow card in the 85th minute and a red card. Despite both teams being back on equal ground, the Toppers managed to get another scoring chance in the 87th minute and capitalize to bring the final to five-one. 

Stats

• The Barons trailed in shots 18-8.

• The Barons trailed in corner kicks five to two. 

• The Barons led in fouls 13-12. 

• Andrea Abwe finished with three saves. 

• The Toppers led in cards five to four. 

Next Up

The Barons will look to bounce back at home against University of Tennessee Southern. 

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