Box Score LAKE WALES, Fla.- The Ave Maria University men's soccer team fell victim to a pair of late goals on Monday afternoon, losing a 3-1 decision to the Warner University Royals. Despite both teams being members of The Sun Conference, Monday's game did not count in the conference standings. Warner and Ave will meet again this season, as the Royals will come to Gyrene Field on October 6 for a Sun Conference matchup.

Neither team scored in the first half, as AMU goalkeeper Andrea Salomone turned away the half's only shot on goal in the 17th minute. The Gyrenes were able to keep the Royals off the board despite three corner kicks and a 5-1 edge in shots taken.

Warner broke the ice in the 52nd minute, taking the lead on a goal from Daniel Rodriguez. Kenolson Collin picked up the assist on Warner's first goal of the match.

Just over seven minutes later, Ave Maria responded with an equalizer. In the 59th minute, Kaveon Dux scored his fourth goal in two games, beating the Warner defender to even the match at one. Kensley Jean Baptiste earned the assist on the score, his third of the season. On the season, Jean Baptiste has recorded eleven points, the highest total in the nation.

The 1-1 tie held for nearly 20 minutes before Warner scored twice in 40 seconds to pick up the victory. In the 78th minute, an Ave Maria foul in the box led to a penalty kick from Juan Gazzotti, who converted to give the Royals a 2-1 lead. Then, 40 seconds later, Rodriguez scored his second goal of the match on an assist from Dawson Johnson, extending the Warner lead to two goals.

The closely contested match saw 23 fouls committed and three yellow cards issued between the two teams. The Royals took six shots on goal, while Ave Maria tested the goalkeeper three times. Warner outshot the Gyrenes, 14-6, on the match. 

Ave Maria returns home on Friday morning for a non-conference match against Trinity Baptist College. The home match will be AMU's last until September 11. Kickoff in Ave Maria is scheduled for 11 a.m.