KENOSHA, Wis. – The Carthage College men's soccer team dropped their home opener on Saturday at Art Keller Field, falling in the first game of the 2018 Battle on the Border tournament to Loras College, 3-2, in overtime.
The loss drops the Red Men to 3-2 on the year, while Loras remains undefeated at 3-0.
"Exciting game full of fireworks," said head coach
Steve Domin. "Loras has a unique way of playing by sending big balls over the top, running at you and fouling. We didn't handle it well initially, and I didn't manage the guys, my staff and the emotion well. Generally something I am good at… Surprisingly, we owned much of the field and connected on many different occasions. We surrendered some fouls that led to dangerous restarts that they made the most of, including the game-winner. Other than that, I think we had it in check. This one hurts, but will make us better."
An evenly matched and back-and-forth affair saw the Red Men and Duhawks exchange goals throughout regulation before extra time. After giving up the opening goal in the 16th minute, the Red Men answered with a 35th minute goal from
Kevin Mahoney to tie the game at 1-1 with his second of the season.
Loras would strike again just before half, as the Duhawks took a 2-1 lead in the 44th minute, which they would carry into half despite a 5-3 advantage in shots and 3-2 edge on goal.
Carthage netted the equalizer in the second half off their only shot on goal, as
Adrian Herrera scored his first goal of the season in the 68th minute to tie the match at 2-2.
The match would remain tied through the 90-minute regulation and most of the first overtime period. Loras cranked up the pressure in the first golden goal stanza with a 3-1 edge in shots. Carthage almost escaped the first overtime period unscathed, but a foul setup the Duhawks for the game-winner with six seconds remaining before the end of the period and Loras converted for the 3-2 win.
The Red Men will have a quick turnaround before their next game which will take place tomorrow, when the Red Men conclude their 2018 Battle on the Border. The Red Men will play Macalester College on September 15th at Art Keller Field at 3:00 p.m.
