CONCORD, N.H. – NHTI Men's Soccer closed out Homecoming Weekend Sunday afternoon with a 3-0 loss to Paul Smith's College in Concord.

The loss moves the Lynx to 0-5-1 overall and 0-4-1 in Yankee Small College Conference play. Paul Smith's improves to 5-4-2 overall and 4-1 in the YSCC, remaining third in the conference standings with 12 points.

Paul Smith's created several dangerous opportunities during the opening half, but NHTI goalkeeper Kurt Olson and the Lynx defense kept the Bobcats from building an early advantage.

Olson made multiple first-half saves, including a stop on a shot from the left side just outside the box before later denying another Paul Smith's chance after the Bobcats worked their way into the penalty area from the right in the early parts of the first half.

The Lynx defense also made several key interventions in front of goal. Midway through the half, a sliding Lynx defender slid in to take the ball away from a Paul Smith's attacker who otherwise would have had a clear look from close range. Another sliding stop inside the box later knocked the ball out of danger before the Bobcats could get a shot away.

NHTI generated opportunities of its own as the half progressed. After a steal in the midfield, the Lynx pushed forward and sent a cross toward the right side of the box before attempting to work the ball into the middle, but the sequence ended before a shot could be taken.

The Lynx later put an attempt on goal from the middle of the field before Paul Smith's broke through in the 26th minute to take a 1-0 lead.

NHTI continued to search for an equalizer after falling behind. A Paul Smith's foul gave the Lynx a free kick near the left side of the box, and the ensuing service created an extended battle in front of goal before the Bobcats eventually cleared the danger. NHTI followed with another shot on goal from near the top-left portion of the box, but Paul Smith's carried its 1-0 advantage into halftime.

The Bobcats extended their lead with two more goals during the second half to pull away for the 3-0 victory.

NHTI continued to create chances after the break, with several Lynx recording attempts, but Paul Smith's kept the hosts off the scoreboard through the final whistle.

Sunday marked NHTI's second match in as many days after the Lynx opened their regular-season home slate Saturday with a 2-2 draw against Word of Life Bible Institute.

UP NEXT
NHTI returns to action Thursday when it travels to Vermont State University Randolph for a YSCC matchup at 2:30 p.m. The contest was originally scheduled for Sept. 30 before being rescheduled.