The Belmont Abbey men's soccer team fell to the second-ranked Lees-McRae Bobcats by a 5-1 score this afternoon at Alumni Field in a Conference Carolinas matchup. The Bobcats move to 3-1 overall and 2-0 in Conference Carolinas, while the Abbey dips to 1-3-1 overall and 0-1-1 in Conference Carolinas.

The Bobcats struck quickly, getting their first goal in the seventh minute as David Palmer blasted home a 25-yard shot. 31 minutes later, Sam Kennedy made it 2-0 when he headed home a deflection from James Galvani.

In the 61st minute, Lees-McRae extended its advantage to 3-0 as Justin Jones fired a throw in all the way to the far post, where Sebastian Matta fired home the shot from the goal mouth. 16 minutes later, Lees-McRae scored on a carbon copy of its third goal, as Jones fired a throw in to the far post, where Galvani was stationed, and he connected from the goal mouth.

In the 78th minute, Lee Squires made it 5-0 when he connected on a penalty kick.

One minute later, the Abbey scored its goal as sophomore Devon Purslow smashed home a free kick from just outside the box for his first career goal.

Lees-McRae outshot the Abbey 11-8 and held a 6-5 advantage in corner kicks.

Belmont Abbey is back in action Saturday at 4:00 p.m. when it goes on the road to face Saint Andrews Presbyterian.