LEXINGTON, Va. -- The incredible 2021 Covenant men's soccer season came to an end on Saturday evening as Washington & Lee's Grant McCarty's goal in the 86th minute propelled the No. 1-ranked Generals to a 2-1 win over the Scots in the NCAA Tournament second round.

The loss ends the year for Covenant (12-4-4). It was the first loss for Covenant since Sept. 7 as the Scots produced a 15-match unbeaten streak, the third-longest streak in program history.

Covenant gave the nation's top-ranked team all it could handle, and more, on a chilly Saturday evening at Watt Field.

After a scoreless first half, Washington & Lee (16-1-2) struck first in the 54th minute as Adrian Zimmerman found the back of the net, assisted by Michael Kutsanzira, to give the host Generals a 1-0 lead.

Just six minutes later, the Scots found the equalizer.

On a counter attack, Mercer Stout played a perfect through ball to lead Jake Major towards the box. Major beat the Generals keeper to the ball, played a touch around the keeper, and scored on an empty net to knot the score at 1-1. 

The tally was Major's ninth of the year.

The Covenant defense withstood constant pressure from the Washington & Lee side. Henry Hooks was sensational at the net as he made six saves on the night and batted crosses and corner kicks away throughout the match.

The persistent Generals challenges finally wore down the Covenant defense in the final minutes of regulation. Washington & Lee's PJ Ryan won the ball on the right-side of the box and slid a pass to McCarty, who collected and scored just beyond the sliding attempt from Hooks. It was just McCarty's second goal of the season.

The Scots managed to work the ball into their attacking zone in the final minutes, but could only muster one corner kick attempt and no shots as Washington & Lee held on for the victory.

Despite the loss, Covenant proved itself against one of the top teams in the nation. It was the Scots' third nationally-ranked opponent this season as Covenant went 1-2 in those matches and allowed just four goals.

Rye McMillen made one save in 45 minutes of play at the net for the Generals. Washington & Lee held a 21-8 shot advantage as Major led the Scots with three attempts.

Washington & Lee moves on to the sectional round, starting next weekend.

CONNECT WITH THE SCOTS

Be sure to follow the Scots all season long on athletics.covenant.edu and on social media at Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for up-to-date scores, news and other information.