Demopolis (3-2, 1-0) missed being shut out by about three minutes as the first goal of Ty Harwell’s varsity soccer career served as the only score in DHS’ 5-1 loss to Hillcrest Tuesday.

Following the game, DHS head coach Peter Keen praised the effort of Harwell and a number of his reserve players but could scarcely offer a reason why his starters struggled so mightily against a team that it handled 4-1 just days earlier.

“They weren’t passing. The defense fell flat on its face. They lost to a team we beat 4-1,” Keen said. “Working together, giving the 1-2s, creating space, that’s just not there. When you don’t have combination plays, that will certainly hurt you.”

Those deficiencies spelled trouble for DHS Tuesday as it managed only 13 shots on goal the entire game and allowed five of the Patriots 10 attempts to find the net.

Demopolis travels to Central-Tuscaloosa for a regional double-header Friday.