EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The University of Evansville men's soccer team dropped a 1-0 decision to No. 21 Louisville on Tuesday night at Arad McCutchan Stadium, with the Cardinals scoring the lone goal in the 81st minute.
Evansville recorded the first shot of the night in the fourth minute when Ben Zec sent an attempt off target. Louisville controlled possession for much of the opening 20 minutes, generating three shots from Braydon Sellers during the stretch.
The Aces created another quality opportunity in the 27th minute when Rodrigo Zambrana found space near the top of the box. His attempt was blocked by a Louisville defender.
The Cardinals put together their most dangerous sequence of the first half in the 31st minute, recording three shots in a matter of seconds. Hugo Amo, the reigning Missouri Valley Conference Goalkeeper of the Week, came up with back-to-back saves before the Evansville defense blocked Louisville's third attempt to keep the match scoreless.
Each team added two more shots before the end of the half as the teams entered the break tied 0-0.
Evansville continued to create opportunities early in the second half, with Alejandro Fernandez recording a shot in the 48th minute. Fernandez found another opportunity in the 64th minute, but his attempt was blocked. Louisville generated several chances over the next 10 minutes, but the Aces' defense continued to keep the Cardinals off the scoreboard.
Fernandez nearly put Evansville in front in the 76th minute, finding himself with a prime opportunity in front of the net, but Louisville's goalkeeper made the save.
Louisville broke through in the 81st minute when Giacomo Zizza, the Cardinals' leading scorer, converted a free kick from just outside the top of the box to give Louisville a 1-0 advantage.
The Aces continued to push for an equalizer in the closing minutes and earned a set-piece opportunity with less than 20 seconds remaining. Amo got a shot off on the play, but Evansville was unable to find the back of the net as Louisville held on for the victory.
With the loss, Evansville moves to 0-4-1 on the season, while Louisville improves to 5-0-1. The Aces return to action on Friday when they travel to St. Charles, Mo., to take on Lindenwood.
