Grace’s Jonny Mora sends a cross inward against Georgia Gwinnett Thursday evening. (Photo provided by the Grace College Sports Information Department)

GEORGIA GWINNETT 3, GRACE 0

A sputtering start spelled defeat for Grace’s men’s soccer on Thursday against No. 12 Georgia Gwinnett.

The Lancers (1-1) owned a shot advantage overall in the match, but early mistakes resulted in a 3-0 loss at 1st Source Bank Field.

For the match, Grace held a 10-7 advantage in shot attempts. The Lancers were even better in the second half with an 8-3 edge in shots.

The match could not have started any worse for the Lancers. Grace made two defensive errors in its half of the field, and the Grizzlies (1-0) capitalized both times for goals.

Before 10 minutes had expired, the Lancers faced a 2-0 deficit.

The rest of the half was evenly played with each side building up possession. Grace struggled to penetrate Georgia Gwinnett’s defense, however.

The Lancers dug themselves into a deeper hole by surrendering a third goal in the 30th minute on a quick attack.

Grace changed its personnel midway into the half, and the newcomers seemed to inject life into the attack. Jordan Jayapuram, Felipe Gruber and Ze Maria Goncalves sparked the offense as substitutes.

Goncalves had Grace’s best attempt of the half, firing a 20-yard rocket that forced a diving save.

The Lancers entered halftime behind 3-0 despite holding the Grizzlies to just four shot attempts.

The second half was another midfield battle; neither team tried a shot for the first 12 minutes.

The first shot of the half was a dangerous one by Grace. Marcelo Talamas took on a defender during a counter and created space, but his shot was saved.

The Lancers seemed to get better as the game went on, building up consistently dangerous attacks.

Cody Boerema, Jonny Mora and Talamas moved the ball into key positions but struggled to find the finishing touch.

One of Grace’s best moments resulted in an attempt by Gruber, but his hard shot ended in a reflex save by the Grizzlies’ goalkeeper.

Mora and Jayapuram tried shots mere seconds apart, but again the Grizzlies’ defense stood firm.

The Grizzlies’ goalkeeper Matija Gligorovic produced five saves to keep Grace off the scoreboard and record the shutout.

Gonzalo Salo played the final 45 minutes in goal for Grace and made a pair of saves.

Goncalves, Talamas and Mora each shot twice to lead Grace.

The Lancers face another ranked opponent next, traveling to No. 25 Southeastern (Fla.) on Wednesday.

WAWASEE 3, SOUTH BEND RILEY 3

Chris Pena potted two goals as Wawasee drew with visiting South Bend Riley.

Both of Pena’s goals were assisted by Dylan Dewitt, and the third goal, from Brandon Tayagua, was assisted by Gage George. Pena had a chance to win the match for Wawasee with a penalty try in the 80th minute, but came up short in the attempt.

Wawasee fired 10 shots on goal against the Wildcats, which managed an efficient four shots on goal with three finding twine.

In the junior contest, Wawasee won 2-1. Warrior goals came from Alec Beigler and Garrett Stuckman.

Wawasee (0-1-1) will open Northern Lakes Conference play Monday at Concord.

NORTHWOOD 11, TIPPECANOE VALLEY 0

Thursday’s season opener for both clubs got sideways quickly. NorthWood ran out to a quick 2-0 lead after 10 minutes and poured it on.

NorthWood led 7-0 at the half and held Valley to just one shot on the night.

Jerson Sanchez and Kayden Newcomer each recorded three goals and an assist to lead the Panthers in the rout.

NorthWood (1-0) visits Lakeland Monday while Tippecanoe Valley (0-1) will head to Wabash Tuesday.

WARSAW 2, ST. JOE 1

Tedros Berelsman hammered home the game winner for Warsaw in a nice road win in a game featuring a pair of top-10 programs.

Berelsman’s goal came off a corner kick by Alejandro Murillo in the second half. Warsaw got on the board with a goal from Blake Burns, assisted by Ethan Grill.

Warsaw, which starts the season No. 10 in the Class 3-A preseason poll, moves to 2-1 overall with its win over St. Joe, which starts the Class 2-A poll No. 3.

Warsaw claimed the JV game over St. Joe by a 4-1 count. Aden Wade had two goals and both Roberto Sanchez and Alexis Vargas each found the back of the net.

Warsaw’s C-Team opened its season on the short end of a 5-4 loss to Fort Wayne Carroll and 1-0 loss to Goshen. Stats from the matches were not provided.

Warsaw (2-1) works again Tuesday at Huntington North.

ELKHART CHRISTIAN MIDDLE SCHOOL 5, LAKELAND CHRISTIAN 2

LCA’s middle school program took on its neighbors to the north and came up short in its season debut. Andrew Bosch and Mel Norris scored for the Cougars. Theo Twitchell had a pair of goals for the Eagles while Carson Hiler, LJ Bevier and Drew Campbell each potted a goal.