OWINGS MILLS, Md. – The No. 17-ranked Salisbury University men's soccer team suffered its first defeat of the 2010 season, falling at Stevenson University, 2-1, Wednesday afternoon.

The Sea Gulls (10-1-2, 4-1 Capital Athletic Conference) took a 1-0 lead in the 18th minute as senior Mike Napolitano buried his team-leading sixth goal of the season. Napolitano took a cross from junior Stafford Chipungu in the box, before slipping the ball into the back of the net for the lead. The assist is Chipungu's sixth of the season.

Salisbury would take the one-goal advantage to halftime, despite being outshot 4-2 in the opening 45 minutes. Sophomore goalkeeper John Vnenchak turned away the two Mustang offerings that were on target in the first half.

Just over 15 minutes into the second half Stevenson (8-3, 1-3 CAC) did something that no other team had been able to do against the Sea Gulls for the previous 848 minutes – score a goal. The Mustangs evened things up as Ansger Otto played a through ball into the box for Josh Stover, who found the back of the net, tying the game at 1-1.

It marks the first goal allowed by the Gulls since September 8, when they gave up a second-half tally to Washington (Md.) College.

The game was physical throughout as 23 total fouls were whistled and seven cards handed out, including a Salisbury red card issued in the 66th minute, forcing the Gulls to play a man down for the remainder of the match.

Otto was able to slip a ball past Vnenchak with less than three minutes showing on the clock for his 13th goal of the season, and the 2-1 Mustang victory.

Salisbury attempted four shots in the second half, putting one on target. The Mustangs held a 10-6 edge in shots for the game and a 4-1 advantage in corner kicks.

Salisbury will be back in action on Saturday when it hits the road to take on N.C. Wesleyan College. The game is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m.