COLUMBIA, Ky. – In their 2025 season opener, the SCAD men's soccer team went toe-to-toe with nationally ranked No. 12 Lindsey Wilson on Friday night before ultimately falling 2-0 in Columbia, Kentucky. Despite playing more than 60 minutes a man down, the Bees displayed grit, discipline, and flashes of attacking quality that suggest plenty of promise for the season ahead.
SCAD looked sharp out of the gate, pressing high and creating the more dangerous chances in the opening stages. The Bees found success in wide areas, moving the ball with pace and forcing the Lindsey Wilson defense to scramble early. But for all the positive buildup play, SCAD couldn't find the finishing touch to capitalize on their strong start.
The match took a major turn in the 28th minute when defender German Moreno was shown a red card after a challenge near midfield forcing SCAD to play the remainder of the game with 10 men against one of the deepest squads in the NAIA.
Instead of collapsing, however, the Bees rose to the challenge. Compact defending and well-timed counterattacks kept the game balanced heading into halftime. SCAD's coaching staff made tactical adjustments during the break, and the second half opened as an energetic, back-and-forth contest despite the numerical disadvantage.
Midway through the second half, the Bees thought they had earned the breakthrough they were searching for. After a foul in the box, the referee pointed to the penalty spot, awarding SCAD a chance to take the lead. But celebrations were cut short when the assistant referee raised his flag for offside in the buildup, and the penalty was rescinded.
Moments later, SCAD nearly struck again when Mario Goic curled a dangerous left-footed shot toward the far post, forcing a diving save from Lindsey Wilson's goalkeeper to keep the game level.
Lindsey Wilson finally found their opener in the 75th minute, though it came in heartbreaking fashion for SCAD. A speculative shot from distance deflected cruelly off the back of a SCAD defender giving the Blue Raiders a 1-0 lead against the run of play.
The Bees pushed forward in search of an equalizer, showing impressive energy despite playing a man down. But the fatigue of playing shorthanded eventually showed in the closing minutes. Lindsey Wilson doubled the lead in the 88th minute sealing the 2-0 result.
Noa Sonntag finished with four saves, and SCAD's defense held firm under heavy pressure for most of the night. Even in defeat, the Bees proved their ability to adapt and compete with an elite opponent, showing both resilience and attacking creativity.
SCAD (0-1) will look to regroup quickly as they continue their opening road swing. The Bees return to action on Sunday with a matchup at Union Commonwealth.
