DUBUQUE, Iowa – The men's soccer team traveled to Iowa to face Dubuque on Friday evening and Loras on Saturday. After a hard-fought first half, the Dubuque game was deemed a no contest due to inclement weather. That didn't stop the Panthers on Saturday, though. They put up a gritty and determined performance against Loras, but ultimately dropped a 4-1 decision to the Duhawks. Freshman goalkeeper Dominick Messer came up big off the bench, recording multiple key saves and helping steady the Panthers in a high-paced second half.

How It Happened:

1st Half

Greenville opened the match with energy and discipline, trading early chances with the home team. Manolo Juarez tested the Loras keeper in the 4th minute with a shot to the bottom left corner, while William Carlson Webb and Gabriel Sule kept the pressure on up top.

However, after an evenly played first 20 minutes, Loras broke through in the 21st minute and doubled their lead just three minutes later. Despite the quick goals, Greenville refused to back down. Messer entered in goal midway through the half and made several strong saves to keep the Panthers within striking distance. 

2nd Half

Coming out of halftime down 2-0, Greenville wasted no time shifting the momentum. Just 49 seconds in, Izan Gonzalez Rivera put the Panthers on the board with a composed finish, cutting the deficit in half and injecting life into the Greenville bench.

Despite Greenville's effort, Loras capitalized on a brief lapse and struck for goals in the 51st and 53rd minutes, extending their lead to 4-1. Messer continued to shine in goal with saves in the 54th and 61st minutes. Juan Fernandez, Gonzalez Rivera, and Samuel Paez all tested the Loras goalkeeper with efforts that kept the home team on edge.

The Panthers showed heart to the final whistle, with late substitutions providing fresh energy and a physical presence in midfield. 

Up Next:

Greenville (2-3-1) returns home Wednesday, Sept. 24th at 7 p.m., to take on UHSP under the lights for Senior Night.