SALISBURY, Md. – The Frostburg State men's soccer team kicked off Capital Athletic Conference (CAC) competition with a narrow 1-0 loss at in-state rival Salisbury on Saturday afternoon.
 
The Bobcats staved off several early opportunities by the Sea Gulls, negating two corner kicks and registering a team defensive save all in the first 15 minutes. However a goal by Salisbury's Ryan Spadin in the 16^th minute proved to be the difference in the contest.
 
In the first half there were more fouls than shots for both teams as three yellow cards were handed out in the first 45 minutes. Frostburg State managed just three shots with one on goal in the first half, and In the 37^th minute, sophomore Mo Odolla attempt was saved by Salisbury's Trevor Brookhart.
 
In the second half the Bobcats outshot Salisbury 6-5, but neither team was able to find the back of the net.
 
Early in the second half the Sea Gulls tested first-year goalkeeper Joel Assal who made the save to preserve a one-goal deficit. He made two more second half saves to keep the Bobcats within striking distance over the final 45 mintues.
 
Junior Blake Geatz aimed a header on frame in the 65^th minute that was saved and first-year Trevor Namie's shot was denied in the 86^th minute.
 
With about three minutes to play in regulation, the Bobcats were awarded a corner kick but Geatz's shot from the attempt sailed high.
 
Geatz and Odolla led the Bobcats' offensive efforts with each recording two shots with one on goal. Assal finished his afternoon with five saves and one goal allowed in 90 minutes.
 
The Sea Gulls outshot FSU 11-9 and held a 7-3 edge in shots on goal. Salisbury tallied six corner kicks to the Bobcats' two, and the teams combined for 28 total fouls and four yellow cards.
 
The Bobcats fall to 0-1 in CAC play and 3-7-1 overall. Salisbury rises to 8-1-1 with a 1-0 mark in league play.
 
The Bobcats continue conference competition with their home opener next Saturday against conference-favorite Christopher Newport at 7:00 p.m.