WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Marymount University men's soccer team came up just short in a seven-goal slugfest against Shenandoah University on Saturday afternoon, as the Saints dropped a 4-3 decision to open the 2021 campaign at the Turk Emekli Classic.

Marymount dominated the majority of the contest, despite going down to 10 men with just under 16 minutes left to play. The Saints peppered the Hornets with 15 shots, while Shenandoah tallied eight. 

MU got the fireworks started early, as first-year talent Leonardo Torres opened his collegiate ledger just a minute into the contest. The Manassas, Virginia, native potted an unassisted effort with an audacious chip over Shenandoah's Travis Jett for the opener. 

The Saints pressed on from there, with their efforts was highlighted by a shot from Manny Gaunaurd that forced the Shenandoah netminder into a save. MU's offensive intensity paid off in the 32nd minute, as Derek Rivera found the back of the net. Torres was involved once again and was credited with the assist on the play that gave Marymount a 2-0 lead. 

After the half-time break, Shenandoah matched MU's intensity to open the second frame, which resulted in three straight goals for the Hornets. Marymount weathered the barrage, however, and tied the score with some magic from Torres. The rookie knotted the score with a little over 12 minutes to play with a heat-seeking strike from outside of the box. 

The numbers game caught up to the Saints a few minutes later, as Shenandoah took advantage of the extra field player and nicked a goal back to make it 4-3. Marymount continued to push for the equalizer as Carlos Varona saw an attempt on goal turned away with six minutes left to play. MU couldn't find the goal it needed, however, as Shenandoah picked up the victory. 

Rivera paced the Saints with four shots, while Torres tallied three. Brian Cruz and Ronald Clark split time in goal, while Clark registered one save. 

Marymount returns to action on Sunday afternoon with a 3:00 p.m. matchup against Catholic University to close out the Turk Emekli Classic.