Despite a two-goal performance from senior co-captain Andrew Natalino, the Emory University men's soccer team failed to pick up its third-straight win on Saturday afternoon, as the Eagles fell 3-2 to Centre College in the finale of the 23^rd Annual Bob Allen Nissan Classic in Danville, KY.

Early on in the match, the Eagles would be victimized by second-chance opportunities for Centre.  In the fourth minute of play, an Emory foul set up a free kick for the Colonels from just outside of the box.  The initial kick was cleared out by the Eagles' defense, and a second attempt on goal was deflected by goalkeeper Aram Keteyian, but the rebound was collected by Centre's Jeremy Carlson and shot in for the goal.

Just under five minutes later, it would be another second-chance goal that extended the Colonels' lead to 2-0.  A long free kick was sent into the box and promptly cleared out by the Eagles' backline, but to the middle of the field where Centre's Ryan Garvey converted a long shot for the goal.

Emory would answer back just a few minutes later, as Natalino went on a long run, passing a defender in the middle of the field before entering into the box, and finishing with a shot past the keeper at the 13:05 mark to bring the score to 2-1.

The pace of the game would settle down following the third goal of the first 15 minutes of play, but Centre would strike one more time before the end of the half, this time on a free kick from Robbe Tarver in the 32^nd minute, extending the Colonels' lead to 3-1.

It would be Natalino again for Emory in the 73^rd minute, this time scoring on a penalty kick, set up after a Centre foul inside the box.  Natalino's goal, his second of the game and third of the season, pulled Emory back to within a score, 3-2.

The Eagles continued to threaten in the second half, finishing the game with an edge in shots (11-9), after trailing in the category at the half, but could not find the back of the net for the third goal.  Natalino had a late chance to tie the match with a hat trick, but the potential equalizer went just wide of frame.

Emory fell to 2-2-1 on the season with the loss, while Centre raised its ledger to 3-1-0 for the year.  The Eagles will look to bounce back from the defeat on Wednesday, September 12^th, when the squad returns home to host Oglethorpe University at the Woodruff P.E. Center at 5:30 PM.

Emory Notes
Emory has outshot its opponent in all five games this season… Natalino's two-goal game was the second this season by an Eagle, along with Dylan Price's two goal effort against Maryville on Wednesday… It was the third multiple goal game of his career… Natalino's second goal marked his 50^th-career point and the 21^st goal of his career… He is now tied with Price for the team lead with three goals in 2012.