NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Piedmont 0, Johnson & Wales 1
Records: Piedmont, 5-8-1; Johnson & Wales, 7-6-3

DEMOREST, Ga. - The Lions celebrated Senior Day at the WAC against the Johnson & Wales Wildcats, but despite good defense and good midfield pressure, Piedmont was unable to overcome the Wildcat defense.

The Lions offense fought and clawed throughout the contest but could not find a finish as they fell to their opposition.

Before the match began Piedmont honored 11 seniors. Among the honorees are seven appearances on the CCS All-Academic listing, three CCS Offensive Player of the Week awards, and four CCS Second Team listings.

Full Senior Day Story:https://piedmontlions.com/news/2025/10/16/athletics-senior-spotlight-mens-soccer-2025.aspx

With it being a big day for the seniors, there were some new names in the starting lineup for the Lions. Both Christopher Belin and Mohammed Alsuweydi got the starting nod for Piedmont and were remarkably solid in the middle and backfield during their minutes. 

Johnson & Wales had strong pressure throughout the first half, outshooting the Lions 12-4. Piedmont needed a strong defensive game, and this first half paved the way for just that. Several times the Lions' back line extinguished the Wildcat attack, forcing some uncomfortable corners. 

While the defense was strong throughout the first half, Piedmont's senior keeper Bobby Wood was tested, and through multiple tough shots, the senior prevailed. The most impressive save of the day came off of a Wildcat PK attempt that the Lions keeper dove to his right to deflect. 

While the Lions held the line for the majority of the first half, the Wildcat attack proved to be too much as they snuck into the box in the 42nd minute and scored the game's lone goal. 

The second half didn't yield answers for the Lions, as despite a continued fast attack, Johnson & Wales' defense stood too strong, and they would walk out of Demorest with a win.

Piedmont will adjust their sight to a tough matchup this weekend with CCS rival Belhaven coming into town for the regular season finale.

The contest is set for a 3:00 p.m. kickoff on Saturday, Oct. the 25th.

TURNING POINT:
- A late first half goal by the Wildcats

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
- Piedmont collected 8 saves in the contest. Three by Bobby Wood and five by Collin Sheeler. 

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