NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – The Haverford College men's soccer team put forth a valiant effort in its season-opening 2-1 loss at No. 5 Christopher Newport University Saturday evening. Given the youth of Haverford's squad, it can be chalked up as a moral victory against a team that was one win away from reaching the NCAA national semifinal in 2009.

Despite allowing six more shots (14-8), the Fords managed one more corner kick (4-3) than CNU. The solid goalkeeping play of Jamey Applegate kept Haverford (0-1) in the match. The senior made seven saves, playing all 90 minutes.

CNU (2-0) scored first as Steven Farmer scored on a feed from Clif Kiper in the 10th minute. The Fords wasted little time evening the score as David Restrepo collected a loose ball in the box and redirected it to the left past a diving Justin Wolfe.

Over the course of the next 24 minutes the Captains attempted four shots while HC took two with neither team finding pay dirt until CNU's Sam Venker collected a defensive clear and booted home the go-ahead goal from 30 yards out in the 38th minute.

In the second half the teams were even at three shots apiece. The Scarlet and Black held a 3-1 corner kick advantage, but could not convert.

The Fords return to action at the Christopher Newport Tournament Sunday as they take on Virginia Wesleyan College at 4 p.m.