The Carthage College men's soccer team (0-1, 0-0 College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin) opened its 2013 season on Friday, Aug. 30 with a 2-1 loss in double-overtime to the University of La Verne at the "West Coast Classic" at Ortmayer Stadium in La Verne, Calif.

Following a scoreless first period, La Verne took a 1-0 lead at 51:35 on a goal by Ryan Estrada. Carthage tied the game at 83:42 on a unassisted goal by Alexander Marquis. The Leopards won game on a penalty-kick goal by Andrew Geenen at 101:15 in the second-overtime period. On Saturday, Aug. 31, Carthage concludes tournament play with a 10 a.m., PST contest versus Pomona-Pitzer College (0-0) at Merritt Field in Claremont, Calif.

"That was a tough way to start the season," said Carthage coach Steve Domin, "dropping a tight game in what amounted to about 115-degree heat in the valley. That wore us as the game progressed. We really looked sharp in the first half but could not tuck away a lot of opportunities. They capitalized on one of only a couple shots in the first half. The game being decided on a questionable penalty kick was hard to swallow after we fought back from being down a goal. We have nine new players starting, and we're really excited about the year. We need to find away to get some energy with another quality opponent tomorrow in Pomona-Pitzer."