PULASKI, Tenn. - UT Southern came up just short on Saturday evening, falling 2-1 to Life University in a closely contested Southern States Athletic Conference matchup at Grissom Pitch. The Firehawks took the lead early in the second half but saw the visitors rally with two goals in a five-minute span to steal the win.

The opening 45 minutes were defined by defensive discipline and strong goalkeeping. Life applied early pressure, forcing goalkeeper Louis Hester into several key saves on close-range headers. UT Southern's best look came midway through the half when George Grice tested Life's keeper with a low shot inside the box.

Both sides earned multiple corner kicks but failed to convert as Hester and the Firehawk back line kept the visitors off the scoreboard. The half ended 0-0 after a yellow card was issued to Life just before the break.

UT Southern struck quickly after the restart. In the 47th minute, Riley Barratt capitalized on a loose ball in the box and buried his first goal of the season to give the Firehawks a 1-0 advantage.

Life equalized in the 65th minute following a well-placed finish inside the box, then took the lead five minutes later on a penalty conversion to move ahead 2-1.

The Firehawks nearly drew level in the 74th minute when Felix Hammel rattled a shot off the crossbar, but Life's defense held on through a flurry of late UTS corners to close out the match.

UT Southern Player Highlights

• Riley Barratt – 1 goal, 2 shots (1 on goal)

• George Grice – 1 shot on goal

• Felix Hammel – 1 shot, hit crossbar

• Louis Hester – 8 saves on 10 shots faced

First Half Team Stats

Final Team Stats

Next Match

UT Southern returns to Grissom Pitch on October 9 to host Point University in its next SSAC matchup.

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