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WESTERVILLE, Ohio – The Cardinal men's soccer team opened its season with a hard-fought loss Thursday afternoon, falling victim to No. 8 Kenyon College by a score of 2-0 at Memorial Stadium.

The Cardinals started off strong, ripping off six early shots and keeping the game scoreless through 30 minutes.

The Lords (1-0) eventually got on the scoreboard after a breakaway sequence, with Brice Koval beating Otterbein goalkeeper Collin Hoffmann before being dragged down by a defender. Koval stepped up to bury the ensuing penalty kick and Otterbein was forced to play the rest of the match a man down after being issued a red card.

The Lords would tack on a second goal shortly before halftime when Henry Myers converted a header off a direct kick delivered by Greg McNeer.

Kenyon controlled majority of possession during the second half, out-shooting the Cardinals 14-1 but unable to convert any chances thanks to solid play by Hoffmann, who was impressive in his collegiate debut with nine saves.

Kenyon finished with a 23-8 total shot advantage and took nine of the 11 corner kicks seen throughout the day. The Lords were also caught offside eight times.

Otterbein will look to bounce back this weekend, traveling to play La Roche College Saturday at 3:15 p.m.