Langhorne, PA - Cairn University had all of the momentum and extended spells of pressure throughout the second half, but came up short against South Region powerhouse North Carolina Wesleyan.

Box Score

The Battling Bishops of North Carolina Wesleyan brought a high-powered offense and undefeated record to Langhorne, PA. The visitors had the better of things in the opening stanza, but it took NC Wesleyan until the 42nd minute to score. Highlanders goalkeeper Dave Shaffer made the initial save off of a driven cross into the box, only for the ball to slip out of his grasp. An NC Wesleyan follow up shot was blocked by Jeremy McAlack, but the next loose ball proved too much. Battling Bishop's defender Leifur Kristjansson was on hand to slot home at the third time of asking.

The Highlanders were 12 seconds away from making it to halftime down only 1-0 when freshman striker Andri Bjarnason received the ball inside the Highlanders half, turned and found himself in space for the first time all half. He proceeded to lob a 40 yard shot over Cairn's unsuspecting backline and goalkeeper.

Down 2-0 to such strong opposition, the Highlanders had two choices; roll over or take the fight to the visitors. The Highlanders chose the latter. Large portions of the second half were spent in the Battling Bishops half. The Highlanders knew it would only take one goal to get them back in the game, and score they did. In the 54th minute, senior defender Jon Minnema sent a rocket into the box which was deflected by fellow senior Joran Hays, cutting NC Wesleyan's lead to 2-1. Cairn continued controlling play the rest of the half in search of the equaliser and in the 87th minute, Cairn thought they had found it. Winger Seth Mangum beat his marker one-on-one and put in a left-footed cross into the box. Junior midfielder Cody Mosely was on hand to place his one-timed shop from 8 yards out heading to the back corner of the net, only for the Bishop's Nathan Mangione to make a superb reflex save and tip the ball around the post.

NC Wesleyan outshot Cairn 14-9 on the game, but the Highlanders held the advantage in the second half 7-3.

Seven different players registered goals last season. So far this season, five different players have now scored for Cairn this season and not one of them has more than a single goal.

Cairn has played impressively against a very tough early season schedule but fall to 1-3-1. The Highlanders will host Berkeley College on Tuesday, with kick-off scheduled for 2pm.