JOLIET, Ill. -- The University of St. Francis men's soccer team suffered its second loss of the season on Saturday as the Fighting Saints dropped a hard-fought battle to Indiana University Columbus.  The 2-0 first-half deficit was too much to overcome as the Saints fell to the Crimson Pride 3-1.

First Half
The game began with aggressive strategies from both sides with each team taking three shots in the opening 10 minutes. The Crimson Pride (2-0) were able to take a 1-0 lead, however, in the 14th minute of play when a loose ball in the middle resulted in the score from 15 yards out.  The Saints (0-2-1) responded by staying aggressive with graduate senior Sergio Fernandez-Arango finding his way into the IUC backfield less than one minute later.  His shot would be denied, however, with a diving save from the guests' goaltender.  USF tried to put the ball in the net three more times in the remaining 30 minutes with two shots from newcomer Mason Mroz and one from junior Bruno Silva.  Each of the three attempts came up empty before IUC connected for its second goal of the frame in the 43rd minute to send the game into the halftime break with the Crimson Pride holding a 2-0 lead.

Second Half  
In the 15th minute of the second half, Indiana Columbus capitalized on its sixth shot attempt, connecting for its third goal of the match.  St. Francis retaliated by taking six of the next eight shots of the affair with each attempt coming up empty, being blocked on four of the tries.  The Saints continued the offensive pressure into the 77th minute with Logan Wilkins receiving a pass from teammate Benjamin Schoenherr to fire a strike past the IUC keeper and cut USF's deficit to 3-1.

St. Francis took 16 shots as a team in the loss, falling short to Indiana Columbus' 19 attempts.  Five Saints took two shots apiece with six others chipping in one attempt.  Wilkins' goal was the first of his collegiate career, while Schoenherr's assist was his first as a Fighting Saint.  In goal for USF, Elio Di Gennaro made seven saves, while allowing the three scores.

Up Next
The USF men's soccer team will take the field again on Saturday, Sept. 6 at home versus Beloit College (Wis.).  Kickoff will commence at 6 pm at Joliet Memorial Stadium.

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