ETTRICK, VA. — A controversial first-half penalty kick proved to be the difference as the Shaw University men's soccer team fell 2-1 to Virginia State University on Tuesday afternoon at Rogers Stadium.

Virginia State (2-9-3) struck first in the 5th minute when Kebron Dewit capitalized on an early opportunity inside the box. Shaw (3-8-2) responded in the 19th minute when forward Ayden Turner found the back of the net to even the score at 1-1.

The Trojans regained the lead late in the first half on a questionable penalty call in the 40th minute. Diddier Rochez converted from the spot to give VSU a 2-1 advantage that would hold for the remainder of the match.

The Bears pressed hard in the second half, outshooting the Trojans 6-1 and earning five corner kicks, but couldn't find the equalizer despite several close chances from Waheed Haruna and Julius Jones.

Goalkeeper Joel Goerner Tellez finished with two saves for Shaw, while the Trojans' keepers combined for four stops. The Bears were issued two yellow cards and a pair of red cards in the closing moments of play.