The Belmont Abbey men's soccer team fell in its 2010 season opener this evening, suffering a 3-1 loss at Clayton State in the second match of the 2010 Laker Shootout. It was the season opener for both teams.

Belmont Abbey struck first in the eighth minute, as sophomore Sunny Makh put the Abbey on top at the 7:20 mark on a penalty kick after a Clayton State foul in the penalty area.

The Crusaders maintained their lead through the remainder of the first half and the first five minutes of the second half until Clayton State's Igor Lukic deadlocked the contest at one off of a feed from Arturo Cruz. 4:16 later, Deni Lulic put the Lakers ahead for good when he headed home a pass from Sam Bevan.

Five minutes later, Jonathan Ray added an insurance goal to make the final score 3-1.

Clayton State outshot the Abbey 22-1 and held a 9-1 edge in corner kicks. Abbey goalkeeper Louis Liberatore made seven saves in the net.

The Crusaders are back in action tomorrow afternoon at 5:00 when they take on North Georgia in the third match of the Laker Shootout.