Tigerville, SC - The North Greenville men's soccer program began the 2023 season with a tough loss to the Lions of Mars Hill University due to a late goal with less than ten seconds remaining, resulting in a final score of 3-2 at Pepsi Stadium. A fairly uneventful first half ended with both teams going to the locker rooms in a scoreless tie. However, things would pick up in the second half as all five goals between the two teams were scored throughout. NGU ended the night leading the shot column 16-14, but the Lions led in shots on goal 11-7.

A tame opening half resulted in a total of just nine shots, with the Lions leading the column 6-3. The scoring would begin in the 58th minute as Mars Hill took the lead with the first goal of the match. Just under ten minutes later, NGU responded with a Terrell Whitehead assisted goal by Kalvin Semedo. With less than ten minutes remaining, MHU reclaimed the lead with an unassisted goal. The Crusaders once again responded with a goal, this one by Zach Heitkemper, his first collegiate goal. With time running out, it seemed that the two teams were going to come away with a 2-2 tie. However, Mars Hill had other ideas as an assisted goal with seven seconds remaining turned out to be the difference as the Lions would come away with the victory.

Kalvin Semedo scored NGU's first goal of the season and led the team in total shots with three. Zach Heitkemper scored his first collegiate goal, the result of his only shot of the match. Michel Weber posted eight saves at goalkeeper.

North Greenville will return to action on Wednesday, September 6th against the Flames of Lee University in Tigerville.