MADISON, Wis. – Drake men's soccer (0-2) picked up their second loss in as many games to start the 2023 season. The Bulldogs battled Big Ten foe Wisconsin (2-0) on the road but could not overcome a productive second half by the hosts as the Badgers earned the 2-0 decision.
 
The Bulldogs fought through an even first half as Drake executed its game plan and kept the Badger attack at bay. After a competitive first half, both sides went into the halftime break with a scoreless tie.
 
Wisconsin found some footing after the half, taking advantage of a slow start by the Bulldogs with a pair of goals early in the period. Max Keenan broke the scoreless draw in the 52nd minute after a Kevin Andrews assist to put the Badgers on top. Andrews came back just minutes later in the 59th stanza with a score off Keenan and Thomas Raimbault assists to extend Wisconsin's lead.
 
The Bulldogs did their best to trim into Wisconsin's advantage, increasing their offensive pressure as the second half progressed but could not chip away at the deficit. Wisconsin held on to earn the 2-0 triumph.
 
The Badgers outshot Drake 12-4 with two of the Bulldogs' attempts coming from Eloge Iradukunda. AJ Franklin and Jackson Kirsch also fired off one shot each with Franklin's finding the target.
 
Bulldog keeper Kevin Qi performed well in goal, snagging a career-high eight saves.
 
"We knew when we built the schedule that this was going to be a very challenging opening weekend." Drake head coach Pat Flinn explained. "We let one slip away on Thursday [at Marquette] and had a couple moments we wished we could have back to start the second half. Wisconsin punished us with two goals…that's what quality opponents do. I love our team and am excited about the lessons we learned this weekend."
 
Drake will return to Des Moines for their next match as they host Western Illinois on Friday, Sep. 1 for the 2023 home opener.