BOSTON, Mass. – Despite scoring the game's first goal, the Lesley University men's soccer team gave up three second half tallies as Emerson College topped the Lynx tonight in the annual Charles River Cup at Rotch Field. The Lions take possession of the Cup for the first time since 2008 as the Lynx have been sole proprietors for the past four seasons. With the win, the Lions move to 3-2 on the year while the Lynx fall to 4-3-1.

Lesley freshman Erik Johansen (West Harrison, N.Y.) opened the scoring in the 42^nd minute as he got behind the Lions' backline and beat Emerson keeper Carter Bowers (Gorham, Me.). The goal, which gave the Lynx a 1-0 lead at the half, was Johansen's team-leading third of the season.

The two teams played the first twelve minutes of the second half scoreless, but Emerson grabbed the lead with two goals in under two minutes. Sophomore Jeremy Leder (Dix Hills, N.Y.) evened up the score when he put home a header into the top corner of the goal off a bouncing ball in the box after an Emerson throw-in. Just 1:22 later, senior midfielder Ole Eriksen (Asker, Norway) sent a low shot off a one-touch past a diving Nathan Trucks (Guilford, Conn.) in what proved to be the game-winner.

Emerson would add an insurance tally in the 86^th minute when senior Matt Zani (Salem, N.H.) corralled a pass from classmate Jon Havens (Williamsport, Pa.) in the center of the box and finished with a shot into the lower left corner, giving the Lions a comfortable 3-1 lead that would be the final.

Lesley had seven corner kicks in the final 14 minutes but was only able to manufacture one shot, which was blocked.

Each team was credited with twelve shots while the Lynx held an 8-3 advantage in corner kicks.

Trucks made three saves for Lesley while Bowers was forced to make four saves in the win.

Lesley will open up New England Collegiate Conference (NECC) play on Saturday, September 21^st when they play host to Southern Vermont College at 3:30p at Buckingham, Browne, and Nichols.