BEL AIR, Md. - Harford men's soccer was unable to emerge victorious in their season opener as they fell in a goal-filled affair with ASA, 6-3.

Harford (0-1) jumped out to a 2-0 lead early in the first half with goals from Saidu Sankoh and Raul Xavier. Sankoh scored his first of two goals in the third minute of the game on a header from a long throw-in by fellow freshman Lucas Ward. Ward provided a unique threat throughout the game with his ability to deliver service into the 18-yard box on throw-ins similar to a corner kick or cross.

Xavier put the Fighting Owls up 2-0 after sophomore Dylan Tipton drew a penalty halfway through the first half. Xavier slotted the penalty home in the bottom left corner as the keeper guessed the wrong way.

ASA (2-0) was able to level the score just before the first half came to a close. Dorado Phipps was on target for both breakaway goals. Emmanuel Nunez scored in the fourth minute of the second half on a sizzling long distance shot to give the Avengers a 3-2 lead.

Sankoh and Ward connected again for Harford in the 57th minute to level the score at three on a headed goal from a long throw-in.

But the Fighting Owls were unable to hold off the Avengers in the final 14 minutes of the game as they gave three goals in that span. Phipps finished off his hat trick with the game winner in the 78th minute while Kareem Kennedy and Jose Herrera added goals in the 85th and 86th minutes.

Despite allowing six goals, freshman goal keeper Christian Vito was solid making nine saves, notably on two breakaways in the second half when the game was tied.

Harford's next game will be an MD JUCO matchup against Howard on Wednesday, Sept. 5th at 5 PM at Harford Stadium.