Fast start not enough for Men's Soccer against Benedictine

MEQUON, Wis. – Concordia University Wisconsin's Men's Soccer team has had its share of tight, back and forth matches this season and Saturday was no different at Fitting Field. With the possibility of severe weather looming, the Falcons got off to a thunderous start with two quick goals, but surrendered three consecutive goals in a 3-2 loss to Benedictine University.

CUW (4-6-1, 1-2-0 NACC) drew a penalty kick 20 seconds into the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference match and after a wild flurry in the box, junior Diego Campos (Milwaukee, Wis.) rebounded his own miss to score the game's first marker.

The Falcons controlled all the momentum early and created a few more chances, which included another tally in the 17th minute. Campos put a good crossing pass into the box and sophomore Keegan Van Dusseldorp (Burlington, Wis.) gathered the rebound on the near post and struck it past the goalkeeper for his team-leading fifth goal of the season.

The fast start had the Eagles frustrated and the game became very physical. The increased contact frustrated the Falcons and BU took advantage by scoring two goals in short order.

Anes Kadiric brought scored the Eagles first goal in the 21st minute after putting home a rebound from 10 yards out. Less than three minutes later after a whistle in the box, a penalty kick by BU's Edgar Reyes resulted in an easy goal to knot the scoreboard at 2-2.

CUW regrouped at halftime and returned to its play from the initial 45 minutes of play, but were unable to find the back of the net for the game winner. The Falcons did outshoot the Eagles 20-4, including a 7-3 differential on goal, but didn't tickle the twine in the second half.

Reyes added the fifth goal of the contest 70th minute to give the Eagles the final lead.

On an afternoon that began with much promise, rain began to fall sideways in the final 15 minutes of the match and ominous clouds cast a very dark shadow over the field, symbolizing the day's events.

CUW returns the field on Tuesday for a two-match road swing at Rockford University, followed by a stop at Aurora University before returning home next Tuesday Oct. 15 s. Marian University at 4 p.m.