The Lancaster Bible College men's soccer team opened its 2016 campaign with a 1-0 loss to Ramapo on Thursday as the Roadrunners used a penalty kick goal 20 minutes into the game to defeat the Chargers. Thursday's loss marks the eighth straight season the Chargers have failed to secure a win in their season opening game as Lancaster Bible is now 0-7-1 since its 2008 victory over Lesley.

How it Happened: The Chargers and Roadrunners both had early chances in the first half as Ramapo recorded three shots in the first 6:30 of the contest, while Lancaster Bible responded with three straight corner kicks just before the 10-minute mark. After Ramapo regained control of the play, they worked the ball down the field for consecutive chances and then were rewarded with a penalty kick after a foul in the box.

Jorge Castro converted the penalty kick chance and gave the home team an early 1-0 lead. Lancaster Bible responded with a few more chances in the first half, but entered halftime still trailing, 1-0. 

In the second half, Lancaster Bible did what it could to produce the equalizer, but simply could not generate enough offense. The Roadrunners outshot the Chargers, 10-4 in the second half and held off the visitors to claim the 1-0 win.

By the Numbers: Lancaster Bible junior goalkeeper Vann Sutphin made eight saves for the Chargers, setting a new career-high...The Roadrunners outshot the Chargers, 21-6 for the game, while each team had four corner kicks...All four of Lancaster Bible's corner kicks came in the opening 45 minutes...Despite it being a physical game, the teams only combined for 22 fouls.

The Coach Says: Today was a physical game and they are bigger than us, but I thought we responded positively and played pretty well in that regard," Lancaster Bible Head Coach Tom Ardt said. "I thought we played better in the first half then we did in the second half, but I also thought we could have responded better after they scored. Our transition needs to be better and there are a few things to clean up the midfield, but we are excited to be able to get back out there almost right away on Saturday against Clarks Summit."

On the foul call in the box that led to the penalty kick..."I thought it was a tough call for the referee and sometimes they don't go the way you want and that's what happened today," Ardt said. 

Information Hodge Podge: Lancaster Bible is now 11-30-3 all-time in season-opening games...The Chargers are now 18-24-2 all-time in road season-opening games...Dan Bewersdorff, Josh Marcroft, Kenny Akselsen and Tommy Croke all appeared in their first collegiate soccer game on Thursday...Lancaster Bible is now 0-1-1 all-time against Ramapo.

Up Next: Lancaster Bible hosts Clarks Summit University on Saturday at 1 p.m.