RIO GRANDE, Ohio - Grace College's men's soccer team dropped its first contest of the season to RV Cumberland on Monday afternoon.

The Lancers (1-1-2) scored first, but were unable to match the Phoenix's pace as they ultimately fell 3-1.

The opening minutes of the Labor Day contest were calculated as each squad patiently prodded the opposition's defense looking for a means of attack.

The first shot attempt did not take place until the 12th minute when Maxime Bregeon had his attempt on goal blocked by the Phoenix defense. Cumberland had their first shot on goal eight minutes later but their attempt was also harmless as it sailed wide of the target.

Towards the middle portion of the half the Phoenix threatened again with a corner kick and a pair of shots. On both attempts Pedro Galante was up to the task, saving both shots to nullify the threat.

In the 35 minute Bregeon had another chance but again his shot was blocked before making it on goal. Juan Garcia then had a corner kick which was headed along by Osmildo Estrela but his attempt on goal went wide.

With just 3:15 left in the opening half the Lancers were awarded a penalty kick after an illegal tackle in the box. Garcia was chosen to take the PK and calmly buried his chance to put Grace ahead 1-0.

The lead was short lived however as two minutes later Cumberland struck back. The Phoenix were given a free kick from a foot outside the penalty box and took advantage of the opportunity by tying the game at one just before the intermission.

At the half both teams had five shots and one corner kick.

The physicality of the game began to pick up in the second half as the Phoenix committed a slew of fouls and were given two yellow cards just seven minutes back into play.

Cumberland remained undeterred though and after a nifty move deep in the Lancers half of the field the Phoenix were able to chip a ball over the Lancers keeper to edge ahead 2-1.

Grace tried to draw back even and attempted numerous shots but were unable to produce the game-tying marker.

Cumberland refused to be satisfied with the one-goal advantage and with 5:39 left in the game capitalized on another free kick to score the insurance marker.

Grace had three fewer shots on goal (7-4)  despite holding a 13-11 shot advantage. The Lancers had one more corner kick and were whistled for two more fouls. Cumberland finished the game with four yellow cards while Grace had two.

Grace will be back in action on Saturday as they host Rochester Christian at 7 p.m.