No. 6 Washington University Men’s Soccer Falls to Sewanee, 3-1; Bears Suffer First Season-Opening Loss Since the 2003 Season

Birmingham, Ala., August 29, 2008 – The No. 6 Washington University in St. Louis' men's soccer team was defeated by Sewanee University, 3-1, at the Birmingham Southern College Labor Day Classic in Birmingham, Ala., on Friday, Aug. 29. The Bears took a 1-0 lead into halftime but were unable to stave off Sewanee's attack in the second half. The season-opening loss for Washington U. is its first since the 2003 season. The Bears had won on opening day for four-straight years since dropping a 5-0 decision to Trinity University (Texas) to begin that year. With the win, Sewanee evens the all-time series with the Red and Green at 3-3-2. Washington University controlled the game with Sewanee offensively, holding a 25-6 advantage in shots and an 11-3 advantage in shots on goal. The Tigers evened the match in the 50th minute when Jackson Gannaway streaked up the middle to beat Washington University junior goalkeeper John Smelcer. Stuart Maxey's goal in the 76th minute, which was assisted by Kai Sanders, put Sewanee ahead by one, and the Tigers added an insurance goal 10:31 later to put the game out of reach. Sewanee capitalized on each of its shot attempts, as all three of the Tigers' shots on goal found the back of the net.         Washington University will look to pick up its first win of the season on Sunday, Aug. 31, when it continues play at the Birmingham Southern Labor Day Classic in Birmingham, Ala. The Bears will take on tournament host Birmingham Southern at 2:30 p.m. Birmingham Southern defeated Westminster College, 2-1, in overtime on Friday evening. Vincent Novicki Assistant Sports Information Director Washington University in St. Louis (314) 935-4709 (work) (314) 614-2253 (cell) (314) 935-4600 (fax) http://bearsports.wustl.edu