MILWAUKEE, Wis. — The Concordia University Wisconsin men's soccer team battled from start to finish on Saturday night but came up short, falling 2-1 to Wisconsin Lutheran at Zeitler Stadium.
The Falcons struck first and showed plenty of fight throughout the contest, but a pair of goals from the Warriors proved to be the difference in the conference matchup.
In the first half, CUW came out aggressively, earning an early corner kick and creating pressure in the opening minutes. That pressure paid off in the 11th minute when
Jahsiah Acosta stepped to the penalty spot and buried a penalty kick, giving the Falcons a 1-0 advantage at 10:56.
Wisconsin Lutheran responded quickly. Just 2:35 later, finding the back of the net off an assist to even the score at 1-1.
The Falcons continued to generate opportunities, including a shot on target from Samuel Ortiz that was saved by Wisconsin Lutheran goalkeeper. CUW also received several chances from Akram Madongo late in the half, but the match remained tied heading into the break.
In the second half, both teams battled for control early in the second half, with the Falcons continuing to push forward.
Connor Fitch made an important save for CUW in the opening 15 minutes of the period.
Wisconsin Lutheran eventually broke through in the 61st minute and putting the Warriors ahead 2-1.
The Falcons refused to go quietly. CUW continued pressing for an equalizer, with Matthew Payne and Jamal Kilimila both creating opportunities late in the match.
Payne forced a save from Determan in the 78th minute, while Kilimila also put a shot toward goal shortly afterward.
Despite the late pressure, the Warriors held on for the 2-1 victory.
CUW finished the match with 10 shots, including four on goal, while earning six corner kicks. Fitch recorded one save in goal for the Falcons.
Acosta's penalty-kick goal marked his first of the season, while Ortiz, Kilimila and Payne each recorded shots on target.
The Falcons return to action on Fitting Field to face the Aurora Spartans at 4 p.m. Wednesday, September 23.
