COLUMBIA, S.C. — CIU men's soccer dropped its home opener Tuesday night at Sessions Field, falling 2-0 to visiting Carolina University (N.C).

The Rams (1-1) held their own through stretches of the match, generating 15 total shots with four on frame. Josue Pirela led the CIU attack with four attempts, including two on goal, while Jonathan Scarpeta added three shots. Despite the offensive push, CIU was unable to find the back of the net.

Goalkeeper Vasilios Diakomihalis kept the Rams in the contest with six saves, several of them coming during a second-half surge from the Bruins. CIU also defended eight corner kicks while earning six of its own.

Carolina converted a first-half penalty in the 13th minute to take an early lead, then doubled the advantage in the 79th minute. CIU's comeback bid was hampered late when the Rams went down a man following a red card in the 83rd minute.

CIU will look to regroup quickly as it continues its homestand later this week, taking on Georgia Gwinnett at 7:00 p.m. ET at Sessions Field.