MOUNT VERNON, Ga. - The Barons Men's Soccer team opened their season last night, facing off against the Warner Royals. The Barons did a good job of controlling possession and regathering the ball throughout the first half, helping maintain control. The game saw the Barons take a one-nil lead early, just six minutes into the match. That lead held for most of the game until, in the 78th minute, the Royals tied the game off a penalty shot after a foul in the box.

The Barons (0-0-1, 0-0-0 SSAC) left with a 1-1 draw to the Warner Royals (0-0-1) to start the 2024 campaign. 

Coach Robert (Bob) Neuman was asked how he felt about their first game and what he saw and shared with us, "As far as opening matches go, you had a bit of everything: an early goal, great support from the fans, and late drama. It's difficult to judge early-season results because they don't always reflect the quality of the programs involved. But I know for sure that the players gave everything they had for the fans, and that is what I expect from them. 

We knew Warner would provide a hard-working test, and it gives us a good platform to springboard from. The hope is that we will continue to build upon the progress we've made in the last few weeks as we head into the campaign." 

First Half

The Barons struck early at the 5:26 mark of the first half to take the early lead thanks to Derventz Altidor's strong performance, his first of the season. Following their early lead, the Barons spent much of the first half controlling possession and having a strong attack. The first half saw the Barons take eight shots and three on net, and the Warner Royals had seven shots and two on net. 

Warner also led the teams in team fouls in the first half with a margin of 10-6. These early fouls led to some warnings needing to be issued in the second half. 

Second half

The second half saw five yellow cards being given out. Three to Brewton-Parker and two to Warner. Following a tackle in the box, Waraner was awarded a Penalty kick, and Filip Mo capitalized at the 78:11 mark to tie the game at one. This late-game tie led to heroic efforts and a rapid back and forth for the remainder of the game, with scoring chances at both ends. Ultimately, none of the attempts were enough, and the game ended tied at one to let both teams leave the pitch (0-0-1). 

Stats

• Warner led the game 19-9 in team fouls.

• Brewton-Parker held the edge in corner kicks 5-4.

• Brewton-Parker led the game in total shots 16-14.

• Brewton-Parker had 3 yellow cards vs Warner's 2. 

Next Up

The Barons will face Ave Maria University at home on Saturday, August 24, 2024.