AVE MARIA, Fla.- The Ave Maria University men's soccer team came up short on Tuesday evening, losing 5-2 to the Falcons of Florida College. The match marks the final non-conference test for the Gyrenes before Sun Conference play begins on September 19.

Four goals were scored in just over seven minutes during the first half, with each team scoring twice. The game's action began in the 21st minute, when Kensley Jean Baptiste beat the defense for his seventh goal of the season. Florida College responded in the 26th minute on a goal from Connor Nixon, tying the game at one.

Less than a minute later, the Falcons took their first lead of the game. In the box, Groutchov Pierre found Krist Berisha for the go-ahead goal in the 27th minute. Ave Maria's response came just 57 seconds later, when a perfect cross from Kaveon Dux found the foot of Donte Powell, who buried it in the back of the net for the equalizer.

Pierre provided the go-ahead goal for Florida College in the 34th minute, giving the Falcons a lead they would not relinquish. Florida College took a 3-2 lead into halftime, as neither team was able to score in the final 12 minutes of the half.

The Falcons pulled away from the Gyrenes in the second half, scoring twice to provide the final 5-2 score. Davinson Mera scored on Pierre's second assist of the match in the 52nd minute, and a goal from Marc Joseph on an assist from Kristopher Ospina in the 75th minute put the match away for the Falcons.

The teams combined for 26 shots on the afternoon, with the Falcons holding a 15-11 edge. Jean Baptiste provided five of Ave Maria's eleven shots, including a pair of shots on goal.

Ave Maria enters conference play on Wednesday, September 19, as the Gyrenes welcome St. Thomas University to Gyrene Field.