TULSA, Okla. - The Drake University men's soccer team dropped a 4-1 decision at Oral Roberts Friday evening in its season opener. 
 
"Tonight was a tough result on the road," said Drake head coach Gareth Smith. "We started the game very well and created a handful of excellent chances. But we didn't capitalize on those opportunities, which you need to do if you want to take points on the road."
 
ORU scored twice in the first period with quick strikes in the 17th and 18th minute to take a 2-0 advantage into halftime.
 
"We committed self-imposed mistakes that lead to their goals," Smith said. "We need to review and clean up those mistakes at the individual player level." 
 
Drake answered in the 79th minute when Leroy Ensuguzi tallied the Bulldogs' first goal of the season to trim Drake's deficit to 2-1. 
 
"We worked hard and got ourselves back into the game at 2-1with Leroy's goal, but didn't manage their counterattack well enough," Smith said. "We had a strong response in the second half and felt we had a chance, but when we commit players to attack, we need to manage the balance and shape defensively."
 
That aggressive attack and inability to maintain balance and shape allow the Golden Eagles to quickly add two more insurance goals in the 80th and 83rd minutes to earn the 4-1 victory.
 
Drake returns to action for its home opener Monday, Sept. 2 when it welcomes Milwaukee to Cownie Soccer Stadium for a 5 p.m. match.
 
"We have a quick turn around against Milwaukee Monday and have another opportunity to get back on the field and tighten a few things up from a performance perspective," Smith added.