DEERFIELD, Ill. - A penalty in the eighth minute put Trinity International down early, and despite earning a few good looks at goal, the Trojans were unable to pull even with the visiting Bluefield (Va.) Rams at Schartner Field on Thursday afternoon, falling in the home opener, 4-0.

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The Trojans (1-2) held  their own and developed attacking opportunities for stretches of the match, including the opening minutes in which they controlled possession. Trinity would take three of the first four shots in the contest, over the first 15 minutes, but a penalty called in the eighth minute gave the visiting Rams (1-1) the lead, 1-0.

From that point, Bluefield increased their pressure on the TIU back line, and found the back of the net for the second time in the 38th minute to go in front 2-0. The Rams finished the first half outshooting Trinity 9-3, along with five corner kick chances to the Trojans' one.

The deficit grew to three goals early in the second half, when Bluefield finished off another score in the 52nd minute. The Trojans again started to counter, with a pair of shots from Zach Reget and one from Francesco De Felice just under the 60-minute mark, all stopped by the Bluefield keeper. A fourth goal with just over two minutes to play closed out the match, giving the visitors a 4-0 final decision.

The Trojans wrap up the current two-match homestand on Saturday, when they face the Cornerstone (Mich.) Golden Eagles. Kickoff from Schartner Field is scheduled for 2:30 p.m.