MILWAUKEE, Wis. – The Drake men's soccer team put their six-game unbeaten streak to the test in the 2024 non-conference finale on Tuesday evening. The Bulldogs traveled to Milwaukee for a date with the Panthers, who eventually won the match, 2-1.
 
After 25 minutes of scoreless soccer, Milwaukee's Asher Ozuzu broke the stalemate with his first goal of the season. Ozuzu collected a Bienvenu Djunga assist and outran Tomas Butkovic, Drake's keeper, to chip one in.
 
The Panthers nearly carried their 1-0 lead into the half, but Drake fought back as the clock ticked toward the break. In the 43rd minute, Kai Knuchel also netted his first goal of the year on a well-timed second chance. Knuchel tracked down a punched corner kick to deliver an absolute rocket that tied the match, 1-1.


 
The two teams were evenly matched through most of the second half until the hosts broke the draw. Alan Lopez was assisted by Mesfin Roda in the 81st minute after controlling a rebound in front of the net. Lopez' goal moved the score to the eventual 2-1 final.
 
"Milwaukee is always a tough place to play, and we made some critical errors that led to [their] goals," Drake head coach Pat Flinn said. "When that happens on the road, you typically lose the match."
 
The Bulldogs outshot Milwaukee 16-9 overall including nine attempts in the second half. Five of those shots were on target while the Panthers had six strikes on goal. Individually, four players logged multiple shots for Drake as Jackson Kirsch, Preston Kipnusu, Eskil Gjerde, and Eloge Iradukunda all recorded three attempts.
 
Butkovic took the loss but made four saves for Drake, which was matched by Milwaukee's Daniel Ibarra.
 
The Bulldogs will now turn their full attention to the Missouri Valley Conference with league matches the rest of the year. Drake will host No. 11 Western Michigan on Saturday, Oct. 5.