MILWAUKEE, Wisc. – The University of Evansville men's soccer team (0-1-0) was defeated 5-2 in the season-opening match at Milwaukee (1-0-0) on Friday night. Senior forward Mark Anthony Gonzalez tallied one goal and one assist as freshman forward Mikey Matic recorded his first career goal. Evansville's next match will be at home on Sept. 4 for the opening round of the ProRehab Soccer Classic and Military Appreciation Night vs. Air Force.

"We got beat by the better team tonight," said Evansville head men's soccer coach Marshall Ray. "It was not for a lack of effort, but effort alone does not win you games. We were a bit naïve in our defending from the front to the back and they put us under pressure in order to take their chances."

Milwaukee took the early lead with goals in the 11^th and 23^rd minutes.

Down 2-0, UE drew closer with a 37^th minute goal by Gonzalez. Sophomore midfielder Ian McGrath sent a thru ball into the box for Gonzalez who scored his first goal of the season (21^st career).

The score stayed 2-1 until the Panthers added to the lead with goals in the 65^th and 72^nd minutes.

Trailing by three, Matic scored for UE on a 75^th minute strike from just outside the 18 yard box, making the score 4-2.

Milwaukee tallied one more goal on the night in the 5-2 Aces loss.

Senior forward Nate Opperman had a team-high three shots, including two on goal. Sophomore goalkeeper Matthew Keller notched 12 saves.

"We have a lot of video to watch as a group and individually," added Ray. "We will get back to work on Sunday and prepare for our upcoming tournament."

UE hosts the annual ProRehab Aces Classic next weekend (Sept. 4-6) with Air Force, Belmont and Drake visiting Arad McCutchan Stadium.  All current or retired military members receive free admission on Sept. 4. The match will begin at 7:30 p.m. CDT.
 

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