MOUNT VERNON, Ohio – An 85th minute goal was all that separated Grace's men's soccer team from Mt. Vernon Nazarene on Saturday in a 1-0 defeat.

The Cougars (8-4-2, 3-1-1 Crossroads League) finished off a cross at the 84:52 mark and survived a late charge at goal from the Lancers (6-5-1, 1-3-1 CL).

Grace had a few chances to equalize in the final frantic minutes. The best opportunity came on the final kick when Grace was awarded a free kick 25 yards from goal, but the ensuing shot attempt bounced wide of the goal frame.

In the first 10 minutes, Grace came out as the aggressor with the first three shot attempts of the match. Two of Grace's best looks of the half came near halftime. Danilo Carnelos launched a hard, twisting kick from distance to force the Cougars' goalkeeper to parry the shot away in the 43rd minute. On the ensuing corner kick, a loose ball fell to Jon Christensen, and his shot sailed high of the crossbar.

Offense was hard to come by for Grace in the second half. The Lancers were held to three shots after halftime – two of which came in the final minutes.

Overall for the match Grace was outshot 16-9, although the Cougars only held a 5-4 advantage in shots on goal. Trent Smith tied for the game lead with three shots, and Austin Altimus had two attempts.

Senior goalkeeper Jacob Cole made four saves in 90 minutes for Grace, surrendering one goal.

The Lancers return to Miller Field for their next league contest against Goshen on Wednesday 7 p.m.