HIRAM, Ohio - August 30, 2024 - Hiram men's soccer opened its 2024 season with a hard-fought effort, as it outplayed its opposition in a number of categories before ultimately falling, 1-0, to Waynesburg on Friday evening at Henry Field.

The Terriers had their opportunities on the offensive end and kept the scoring chances to a minimum on defense. Hiram had more shots (13-7), shots on goal (7-2) and corner kicks (5-4), but a late goal by Waynesburg's Sarpong Kwabiah in the 83rd minute brought the tightly contested affair to a close.

Hiram showcased its young talent throughout the match, with the entirety of its starting lineup consisting of freshmen and sophomores. Five of the team's starters recorded at least one shot on goal, with goalkeeper Will McCale also notching his first career save.

The first half saw Hiram's best scoring opportunity come in the 17th, 18th and 19th minutes, with Alex Lineen, Jimmy Zeilmann and Erik Rangel Negrete all having a shot on goal. Zeilmann was one of five student-athletes on the 2023 roster to record multiple goals.

Waynesburg would not record a shot on goal in the final 37 minutes of the first half, giving the game a 0-0 score through 45 minutes.

The Terriers had another valuable opportunity to break the scoring barrier in the 50th minute, when Carmine Boscarello missed just to the right of the target. Blake Kubasak followed with another chance to score, but the game remained tied.

The Yellow Jackets broke through with Kwabiah's goal, which came on a deflection from a Hiram student-athlete. Hiram had 21 players log minutes, an exciting roster that put on a strong display despite the loss.

Hiram will stay home for its next matchup, as it hosts Washington and Jefferson on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. from Henry Field in Hiram, Ohio.