DECATUR – East Central Community College struck first but could not hold the lead, falling 2-1 to Pearl River in men's soccer Tuesday night at Bailey Stadium.

Freshman forward Gavin Knowles gave the Warriors the early advantage with an unassisted strike in the 22nd minute. Pearl River (record not listed) answered before halftime when Emil Corfitzen finished a chance in the 37th minute off an assist from Sebastian Kristensen.

Corfitzen broke the tie in the 53rd minute with his second goal of the night, which proved to be the game-winner.

ECCC (2-3, 0-1 MACCC) had opportunities to level the match, with Camilo Lopez Sanchez firing a team-high five shots, including three on target. Knowles recorded the Warriors' lone goal on one of his two attempts.

Goalkeeper Sebastian Montes Mon finished with two saves on four shots faced in 90 minutes. Pearl River's Cameron Kent stopped five of six Warrior shots on frame to earn the win in goal.

The match was a physical contest that saw three yellow cards issued, including two to East Central, and one red card to Pearl River's Kristensen in the 80th minute.

The Warriors will look to rebound quickly as they travel to Summit tonight to face Southwest Mississippi Community College. Kickoff against the Bears is set for 7 p.m.