LAKE WALES, Fla.- The Ave Maria University men's soccer team suffered a narrow loss on Tuesday afternoon, as the Gyrenes fell 1-0 to the Warner University Royals at Royals Field in Lake Wales. A goal from Warner in the 76th minute proved to be the difference in the matchup, which will not be counted in The Sun Conference standings.

Neither team was able to score in the first half, with Ave Maria outshooting the Royals, 5-4. All five of Ave Maria's shots were on goal, but each of the five shots were turned away by Warner goalkeeper Angelo Neto. Both teams had three corner kick opportunities, but were unable to convert.

After 30 more scoreless minutes, Warner scored the game-winner with under 15 minutes to play. On a free kick from Juan Gazzoti, Timothy Shaner headed the pass into the back of the net for the lone goal of the match. The score remained 1-0 for the remainder of the match, giving the victory to the host Royals.

The Gyrenes had six shots on goal in the match, but could not get on the board. Kensley Jean Baptiste led the attack with two shots on target, while Cole Hempfling, Ulises Soto, Eamon McQuade, and Nelson Libbert each attempted one shot on goal. Ave Maria goalkeeper John Turner stopped three of the four shots he faced, keeping the Gyrenes in the match for the entire 90 minutes.

Warner outshot the Gyrenes on the match, 11-10, but Ave Maria put more shots on target, 6-4. The game between the conference rivals was hotly contested, with 17 fouls called and four yellow cards handed out.

The next regular season match for the Gyrenes comes on Saturday, when Brewton-Parker College comes to town as part of a women's and men's doubleheader. The Gyrenes and the Barons will both be looking for their first victory of the 2019 season. The women's game will kick off at 11 a.m., with the men's game following.