The Drake men's soccer team fell to Milwaukee, 2-1, in its season opener Thursday evening in Wisconsin.
Although the Panthers maintained possession for almost half the match, the Bulldogs' defensive efforts helped keep the possession split throughout the 90 minutes. Both teams spent much of their possession time in midfield. Two of the match's three goal were scored on penalty kicks.
In the 34th minute of play, Milwaukee's Andreas Sorenson was whistled for a foul that gave Drake a penalty kick. Senior
Juan Louis scored for the Bulldogs, putting them in the lead late in the first half.
Louis ended the match with three shots and two shots on goal.
"Overall we performed very well and can take several positive aspects out of the game. We had good moments of possession throughout the game and created a number of chances which was pleasing. However there is still room to polish up this aspect of our performance," said head coach
Gareth Smith.
Preseason All-MVC picks
Istvan Wilhelms and
Bradan Allen registered two shots each. Wilhelms tallied one shot on goal and Allen recorded two.
The Bulldogs recorded 12 shots in the match compared to Milwaukee's 10 shots.
Senior
Bradan Allen was called for a foul in the 42nd minute that allowed Milwaukee to receive a penalty kick of their own. Panther's Raul Medina scored to tie the game 1-1.
In the 60th minute of play, Milwaukee's Adi Vaknin scored off a double assist from Raul Medina and Phillip Reiwerts, putting the Panthers up 2-1.
A total of six yellow cards were handed out during the match, five of which went to the Bulldogs.
Smith said, "Although we defended well collectively, some individual defensive errors allowed Milwaukee back into the game, which was disappointing as we worked hard to take the lead. These are details that we need to cut out as they often define the outcome of games."
Milwaukee goalkeeper Gijs Van Schouten recorded six saves against the Bulldogs. Drake goalkeeper
Jared Brown recorded three saves in his 15 shots faced.
The Bulldogs return to Des Moines to take on Western Illinois Monday afternoon. Kickoff is slated for 3 p.m. at Cownie Stadium.
