BANNER ELK, N.C. – The No. 12-ranked Lander men's soccer team suffered its first loss of the season Saturday when the Bearcats fell to Lees-McRae, 3-0, in a non-conference game.

Lees-McRae improves to 3-1, while Lander moves to 2-1.

After a scoreless first half, Thomas Deeley put LMC up 1-0 at 46:31 on an assist from James Smith from 10 yards out.

Smith then found the back of the net twice, the first time at 61:24 on an assist from James Galvani, and the second at 77:44 on an unassisted goal.

Lees-McRae outshot Lander, 19-7, and led in corner kicks, 7-5.

Lander goalkeeper Barrett Nielsen had eight saves, while LMC's Tyler Pavlet recorded seven.

The Bearcats will next host Coker College at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 17, at the Jeff May Complex.