SHEPHERDSTOWN, W.Va. – The Frostburg State men's soccer team began 2019 play with a 2-0 road loss to Shepherd on Thursday. The loss to the former Mountain East Conference school marked Frostburg's first game in Division II.

The Bobcats held Shepherd scoreless in the first half, forcing 10 Ram fouls compared to Frostburg's two. However, the shutout did not last. Shepherd tallied goals in the 53^rd and 64^th minutes to secure the opening victory.

Frostburg State notched a 14-11 edge in shots and committed less fouls than the hosts, 17-13. Frostburg also had nine corner kicks, eight of which came in the latter 45 minutes of play. However, the Bobcats committed 11 fouls in the second half.

Frostburg State had a balanced offensive attack. Junior Youness Benmouna led all Bobcats with three shots, while first-year players Tamino Brown, Louie Kerdock and Addison Keja were right behind him with two shots. Five more Frostburg players had a shot, including junior Nilson Ngana's shot on goal.

Sophomore goalkeeper Joel Assal played all 90 minutes in net. The 2018 CAC Co-Rookie of the Year made two saves and faced 11 shots.
For Shepherd, Carlos Castillo and Tongwa Aka each found the back of the net. Goalkeeper Jose Orellana was able to stop all four shots that he faced.

Frostburg State opens Mountain East Conference play on Sunday, September 8, as it travels to Athens, W.Va. to take on Concord University. It marks the beginning of nine straight conference games. Kickoff is slated for 3:30 pm.