HARROGATE, TENN- The Delta State University Statesmen soccer team opened the 2008 season with a 0-2 loss to the second-ranked Railsplitters of Lincoln Memorial Thursday afternoon. With the loss, Delta State falls to 0-1 on the season, while LMU is now 1-0.

Lincoln Memorial looked to take the game early with some offensive pressure outshooting the Statesmen 14-1. Senior goalkeeper Trey Jones, in his first start since October 9, 2007, made seven crucial saves to keep the Statesmen in the game. Sophomore Steven Axe recorded the only shot for the Statesmen, only to have LMU keeper Michael Watkins swat it away.

The second half looked similar to the first with LMU continuing the offensive, this time breaking the barrier and scoring the first goal of the game three minutes into the half was LMU's William Moura. With less than thirty minutes remaining in the game, Moura would add his second goal on a 20-yard shot doubling the LMU lead to 2-0.

The Statesmen would have a few more chances to equalize with shots from Axe and Rodrigo Luczensky. After the final whistle, the Statesmen were outshot 24-5 with Jones picking up 11 saves in the loss.

“Obliviously we would rather have gotten a win. We didn't put away the chances we created for ourselves. I thought overall we played a good game, but we broke down defensively at times and they were able to capitalize. Trey Jones had a great game, and I was very pleased with his effort the whole match,” head coach Jim Allen said.

The Statesmen remain on the road as they travel to Longview, Texas to take on LeTourneau University this Saturday at 7 p.m.