Box Score

Battling intense heat and humidity, the UW-Whitewater men's soccer team gave maximum effort but came up just short in a season opening overtime loss to Pacific Lutheran University 2-1 Friday in Whitewater.  The game was the first for both teams and the first time the two teams have met since 2008 when the Warhawks traveled to Spokane, Washington to defeat the Lutes 3-1.

Photo gallery (Courtesy of Crystal Meyer - All photo's are for sale)

The Lutes scored first when Spencer Augustin found the back of the net on an unassisted goal in the 18th minute of the match.

The 'Hawks responded in the 26th minute with a "highlight reel" goal when Logan Fye (Rockford, IL/Winnebago) banged a Bob Shone (St. Charles, IL/St. Charles East) cross into the net with his head.

Both teams battled for the remainder of regulation with the Warhawks having the best chance to take a lead in the final minutes of the second half.  UW-W's John Gottwald (South Milwaukee, Wis./South Milwaukee) drilled a shot that went just high in the 88th minute and Jared Denu (Waunakee/Waunakee) nailed a header that skidded past the left side of the goal in the final minute.

Overtime was in the cards, but it didn't last long as the Lutes' junior forward Lucas McCallum capitalized on a miscue by UW-W just :37 into the extra time.

This is the first time UW-W has opened up the season with a loss since 2004.  The Warhawks advanced to the second round of the NCAA Division III tournament that season finishing with a 13-7-1 record.

The Warhawks will look to regain form on Sunday when they host Whitworth in a 1:00 pm match at Fiskum Field on the campus of UW-Whitewater.

For additional information, Greg Henschel