PIKEVILLE, Ky. - Down 2-0 with under three minutes to play, the Midway men's soccer team nearly rallied for an improbable draw, only for their efforts to fall just inches short in a 2-1, season-opening loss to Pikeville Tuesday.

Following a scoreless first half, Pikeville seemed to have things locked up thanks to two second-half goals by Anthony Aguilar, the last of which came with just 4:51 remaining.

With little time to spare, the Eagles gave themselves a chance with 2:47 to play. With Bears goalie Joao Do Couto out of position, Anwar Perry was able to lob a shot over his head and into the net from roughly 25 yards out, cutting the lead in half.

That wouldn't be the last battle those two would engage in. 

With under 30 seconds remaining, Eagle goalie Connor Vincent booted a ball more than 60 yards in the air. After a few bounces, it landed at the feet of Karl Shand Jr., who made a great pass to a charging Perry, who'd gotten a step on his defender.

Unfortunatley for Midway, Do Couto would atone for his earlier mistake, diving at Perry's feet and securing the ball before he could get a shot off, allowing Pikeville to run out the clock for the win.

The 0-1 Eagles will face another in-state opponent on the road Friday, when they travel to Berea at 7:30 p.m.

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