Green Hope hosted Athens Dr. on Monday night and the Falcons suffered their first loss of the season 0-1. The Falcons came out a little flat again at the start of the game and Athens was putting a good amount of pressure on GH. Green Hope was able to get a few good chances on goal but could not convert. Ten minutes before half, Green Hope was called for a handball in the penalty box. Athens converted the spot kick for the only goal of the game.

Green Hope refocused for the second half and put forth a decent effort to tie the score. The team hit the post and had several other opportunities to score, but many of the shots the Falcons took were to the keeper. A final corner almost equalized, but Martin Murphy's header was just wide.

There were a few bright spots: Alex Long was exceptional in goal and directed the defense masterfully. The defenders battled all night and never really gave Athens much of a sniff at goal in the run of play. Zach Steele had one of his best performances of the year - gobbling up everything in his path.

The Falcons fall to 10-1-2 and are third in the Tri-8 conference. If the Falcons can win the rest of their conference games, they will win the conference. The second half of conference play starts this Wednesday against Middle Creek.