NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Emory 3, Piedmont 1
Records: Emory, 8-1-4; Piedmont, 6-9
 
DEMOREST, Ga. - Piedmont University's men's soccer team faced a tall task on Wednesday night as the Lions battled with No. 14 Emory, but couldn't break through the stout Eagles defense in a 3-1 defeat. 

The Eagles delivered a pair of impressive goals in the first half and never looked back on their way to the victory, adding a third goal in the second half. It's the first time this season that either team in an Emory game has scored more than twice. 

Emory jumped ahead in the 27th minute as Matthew Tanzer's free kick was headed in by the 6-foot-6 Charlie Scruton for his fourth goal of the season.
 
Less than 10 minutes later, the Eagles gained even more separation off a beautiful double assist from Jae Ahn and Zach Kornblum that was put away to the top right corner by Matt Engler.

Piedmont was able to acquire a pair of good looks early as CAMERON EARLS' strike midway through the first half was saved by a diving Jack Hudson for Emory. Later in the period, Earls got his head to one off a corner from in close. However, the attempt sailed high and the Eagles took a 2-0 lead to the break.

Despite the misses, the Lions were still in striking range entering the second half, but Emory's third goal, a high-arching volley from Jake Attalah, officially put the game on ice in the 58^th minute.
 
The Lions didn't give up the fight and took advantage of a free kick opportunity in the 71^st minute. Sophomore COLE OLIVER sent the ball into the box, which gave freshman defender JAMES CASH a look at a header, but his chance was saved by Emory keeper Cole Gallagher.
 
Gallagher couldn't corral the initial shot as the ball rolled along the goal line before sophomore OWEN GATES managed to put it away to end Emory's shutout bid.
 
The Lions fired off 12 shots against the stout Emory defense, including eight in the second half of play when the Eagles were preparing to pack in and protect their lead.

Freshman goalkeeper CALLEN LOMAS made his first career start in the game and came away with six saves, four of which coming in the first half. Those six saves rank as a career-high over his three appearances.

Inside the Box Score:
- Emory outshot Piedmont 20-12, but only held a 9-7 advantage in shots on goal.
- Piedmont earned seven corner kicks to Emory's six. The Lions also committed half as many fouls as did the Eagles, who totaled 12 whistles, including the one to set up Piedmont's lone goal.  
 
Up Next:
- Piedmont finishes the regular season on Saturday, October 23, with its final conference matchup of the year on the road at Covenant College. Kickoff is slated for 2:00 p.m.
 
HOW TO FOLLOW:
- To stay up to date on all information regarding Piedmont University Athletics, be sure to visit PiedmontLions.com and connect with the Green and Gold on social media. Follow the Lions on Twitter: @PiedmontLions, Instagram: @PiedmontLions, and Facebook. To follow each Piedmont athletic program on social media, use the Social Media Directory at PiedmontLions.com or click here.