ST. AUGUSTINE – The Flagler College men's soccer team kicked off its season Thursday night as Chris Stokes scored in the 4-1 loss versus visiting 13th-ranked Palm Beach Atlantic University at Saints Field.
 
Trailing 2-nil at half, Flagler (0-1) conceded a goal three minutes out of intermission before Stokes got the Saints on the board in the 71st minute. The Englishman connected with Joran Osland on a corner kick that took the egg off the board; however, it was the lone score the Saints would see.
 
Flagler had a chance to cut the first-half deficit to one score, but PBA keeper Albert Esciun made a save on an Osland penalty kick to keep the Sailfish (1-0) in control. Fred Ferreira netted a pair of goals for PBA, leading his squad with two shots on goal for as many scores while Federico Serra and Oliver Posarelli had the other two.
 
The Saints' shot total doubled in the second half as they had nine shots (four on goal) total compared to the Sailfish's 14 shots (six on goal).  Edging Flagler in corner kicks, PBA had seven to the Saints' five. Stokes came off the bench and paced the Saints with two shots on goal, while Osland, Jonas Schmitt, Fannar Fjolnisson, Jed Bowman and Jared Fuentes all recorded shots for the home team.
 
Debut: It took longer than expected due to an hour and a half lightning delay Thursday, but Miles Shanley, Tyler Hale and Kohta Uchida all saw their first action in the Crimson and Gold with Shanley getting the start.
 
Up Next: Flagler will welcome Embry-Riddle for its next non-conference match Tuesday, Sept. 7 at 7 p.m.

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