LAKE WALES, Fla. -- The Georgia Southwestern men's soccer team opened its 2018 regular season with a 3-1 loss at Warner University on Thursday evening at Royals Field.

Jake Baker put the home team on top early with a goal in the seventh minute, but GSW quickly answered. Senior transfer Matheus Alves took a feed from junior Dylan Marshall in the 12th minute and found the back of the net to even the score at 1-1.

Warner recaptured the lead in the 36th minute and held off several GSW attacks down the stretch for the victory. The final score came in the closing minutes (87') from Warner's Austin Steen.

While it was the first match of the year for GSW, Warner (4-0) ran its win streak to four to open its 2018 campaign.

Despite the two-goal differential, most statistical categories were near even. Both sides had seven shots on goal. Warner took one more corner kick than the Hurricanes, 8-7, and committed two more fouls, 13-11. GSW goalkeeper Francesco Bazzano saved four in his debut. Angelo Neto turned away six for Warner. 

Up Next: GSW completes its two-match Florida swing on Saturday with a trip to Babson Park for a first-ever meeting with Webber International University. Kickoff is scheduled for 10 a.m.