CLINTON, S.C. -  Jacksonville's men's soccer team (1-3-0) took a close 1-0 loss to Presbyterian (3-1-1), on its first stop of a three-game road trip. The Blue Hose picked up the pace on offense during the second period to come away with the victory. 

The first period opened in a back-and-forth fashion, as both teams battled on offense to pursue an early lead. JU managed to attempt three shots while Presbyterian only attempted two, one of which was saved by Dolphins goalkeeper, Luka Rak. During the next 25 minutes of play, the Dolphins picked up the pace and kept the ball on the Blue Hose side of the field. JU's Reed Davis attempted two more shots, while JU prevented Presbyterian from taking any. 

Towards the end of the period the intensity picked up as both teams began to commit several fouls, two Presbyterian athletes were awarded yellow cards. In the last ten minutes each team rattled off two more shot attempts but went to the locker rooms at halftime, scoreless. 

After making it back onto the field, the first 10 minutes of the second period were quiet compared to the first. Presbyterian attempted its first shot of the half after Davis attempted his third of the game, but each team was ultimately unsuccessful in finding the back of the net. 

The next 20 minutes heavily favored the Blue Hose, as they rattled off three more shot attempts while holding Inti Antunez as the only attempt for the Dolphins. After yellow cards were issued to JU and Presbyterian athletes, the game began to grow more aggressive. Shortly after the second yellow card, a goal by Presbyterian off a corner kick at the 72:35 mark gave the Blue Hose a late 1-0 lead.  Presbyterian remained in control throughout the end of the game and JU was unable to tie the score to send the match to overtime. The Dolphins walked off the field with its third regular season loss. 

Despite the negative outcome, Rak tallied a career-high for saves after achieving three out of the four shots on goal the Blue Hose recorded. 

Next, the Dolphins continue its road trip and will travel to Fort Myers, Florida, to open conference play against FGCU. The game on Saturday, Sept. 18 will be the first ASUN matchup of the 2021 campaign. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. ET.