Box Score MURFREESBORO- The Chowan University men's soccer team dropped a 4-2 decision in the season home opener against the Shepherd University Rams on Thursday afternoon. 

Chowan out-shot Shepherd 22-15 on the afternoon but early momentum proved to be the difference maker in the contest. 

Marco Lujan made three saves in goal for the Hawks while Alex Aleshire made 12 saves for Shepherd.

The Hawks and Rams battled for control for the remainder of the first half until a goal by Myles Newhouse off of Kyle Ransom's cross gave Shepherd a 1-0 advantage.  Ransom found the back of the net in the 37^th minute when he used a free kick to extend Shepherd's lead to 2-0.  Chowan held Shepherd scoreless through the remainder of the first half. 

Christian Funes put the Hawks on the board just three minutes into the second half when he used Terell Williamson's pass to drill the ball into the near post.  Shepherd and Chowan continued to battle as the clock wound down but Ricky Johnson and Jeff Kammerer each scored for the Rams. 

Trailing 3-1 with just over three minutes left in the contest, Funes took advantage of a penalty kick to score another goal for the Hawks. 

The Hawks start the year with a 0-1 mark after Thursday's contest.  They travel to Wilmington, Delaware on Saturday to take on Goldey-Beacom College and Felician College on Sunday.  Live stats will be available for both contests.  Click HERE for access to live coverage.