MARS HILL, N.C. - Despite battling back from a 1-0 deficit to tie the game in the 76th minute, the Lincoln Memorial University men's soccer team allowed an 85th minute goal and fell to Mars Hill 2-1 on the road Friday evening. With the loss, the team drops to 2-3 in South Atlantic Conference play.

After a slow and physical start to the game, the Lions struck first in the 35th minute when Sebastian Bertilsson took a pass from Ethan Lee and slotted it home for the early 1-0 lead. Mars Hill carried that lead into the locker room and kept the positive momentum for much of the game.

The Lions barraged the goal with more shots but were turned away time and time again before Shanden Vergara evened the score with his second goal in as many games, putting LMU in position for a tie. However, Thomas Bertelsen broke the tie and gave Mars Hill the win with his late score. The Railsplitters were unable to create another chance in the last five minutes and the one goal margin stuck until the final whistle.

In defeat, Robin Hermann had another solid performance in goal with five saves.

LMU will look to bounce back in their regular season finale as they take on Tusculum on the road on Thursday, Apr. 1. The match is slated to begin at 5 p.m.