ROUND ROCK, Texas – In a physical battle that included four yellow cards being issued, the Concordia Texas men's soccer team's late rally was not enough, falling to Texas Lutheran 2-1 in the season opener on Friday.

The Tornados and Bulldogs met for the second straight season opener after CTX benefitted from two late goals in 2018 to pick up a win in Seguin, Texas.

In the first half though, TLU set the tone, firing off nine shots and scored two goals in the game's first 30 minutes to go up 2-0. Goalkeeper Erik Rodriguez would keep the Bulldogs at bay, picking up four saves in the first half, but the Tornados still 2-0 at the break.

In the second half, CTX came out aggressive offensively, registering 12 shots against the TLU defense.

The Tornados would break their scoring drought in the final minute of the game as Marco Vazquez recorded his first goal of his CTX career and cut the deficit in half.

It was too little, too late for the Tornados though, who were unable to even the score before the final whistle, falling 2-1.

Next, Concordia Texas will return to the pitch on Sunday when they will face non-conference foe Southwestern at 8 p.m. in Georgetown, Texas, seeking to avenge last season's loss.