Minneapolis, Minn.-- The North Central University Men's Soccer team opened their season Tuesday evening against the Lions of Finlandia University.

The contest marked the first regular season home game on the new turf pitch in downtown Minneapolis.

The Rams (0-1) put together an impressive all-around performance but it was not enough to top the Lions (Hancock, Mich.) as Finlandia prevailed by a score of 2-1.

North Central opened the game strong in front of an energetic North Central home crowd. Sophomore Ian Brekhus (Prior Lake, Minn./Prior Lake) scored his first collegiate goal for the Rams as he connected off of a pass from junior goal keeper Andrew Eliason (Ypsilanti, Mich./Milan) in the eighth minute of the contest.

Finlandia (1-0) scored an equalizer in the 28th minute to send the teams into the half time break tied at 1-1.

Early in the second half, the Lions capitalized off of a North Central foul, as Jonathan Barnes beat keeper Andrew Eliason on a penalty kick to take a 2-1 lead for Finlandia.

Play went back and fourth for the next 40 minutes as both teams produced scoring opportunities. With 30 seconds left in the game, Brekhus attempted a shot from just outside the box that was deflected out of play by a Finlandia defender. Junior Ryan Windauer (Polson, Mont./MVCA) rushed to take the corner and got the kick away with only a few seconds remaining.

Amongst the chaos in the box, North Central was able to get a head on the ball but it was blocked by a Lions defender as time expired.

Finlandia out shot the Rams 13-12 in the contest as Eliason made two saves on four total shots on goal.

The Rams continue action this Saturday as they take on the Sabercats from Maranatha Baptist (Watertown, Wisc.) at 3 p.m.