SPRINGFIELD, MO ? The Drake men's soccer team dropped a 1-0 decision to Western Illinois in the opening round of the Diadora Tournament Friday night.

The Bulldogs held the leathernecks scoreless through the first 70 minutes of play, but Martin Browne Jr. ended the stalemate with a shot from 10 yards out.

“That wasn't what I would call a classic performance, the speed of the surface and our generally indifferent play were a bad combination,” said Drake head coach Sean Holmes. “Losing Keith Gorczyca early in the match combined with an already young team made hard work of it.”

Senior Phillip Breuer (Port Washington, Wis.) made four saves in goal for Drake.

“We were happy to escape the first half 0-0, the second half we saw much improvement but we were unable to capitalize on our chances,” said Holmes.

Western Illinois out shot the Bulldogs, 9-5, but Drake held the Leathernecks to only one shot in the first period.

“I was proud of the effort of our underclassmen, which was seven of the 11 players on the field for most of the game. Our upper classmen are gong to have to grab the team by the horns and start lifting us a little more,” said Holmes.

Drake continues action at the Diadora Tournament Saturday facing Central Arkansas. Game time is set for 5 p.m.

Note: Senior Keith Gorczyca (Overland Park, Kan.) was injured early in the game, his status is unknown.