TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – The Greenville University men's soccer team opened the 2026 season Tuesday evening with a 4-0 road loss to Rose-Hulman at Rose-Hulman Soccer Field.
The Panthers showed resilience throughout the match despite facing an experienced Rose-Hulman squad. Greenville generated five shots and earned three corner kicks while receiving contributions from a deep rotation of players in the season opener.
Rose-Hulman struck first in the 10th minute when Ryan Shapiro finished a chance off an assist from Pace Morel. The Fightin' Engineers doubled their advantage in the 18th minute as Wil Bell converted a pass from Oliver Fila to give the hosts a 2-0 lead heading into halftime.
Greenville's best first-half opportunities came from defenders and midfielders.
Samuel Paez placed a shot on frame in the 20th minute, while
Juan Fernandez-Macias Hijas forced another save later in the half. Rose-Hulman goalkeeper Justin Burns stopped both attempts to preserve the shutout.
The Panthers continued to battle in the second half, with goalkeeper
Dominick Messer making four saves on the night. Rose-Hulman added two second-half goals, including Shapiro's second of the match in the 63rd minute before the hosts extended the lead minutes later.
Paez and Fernandez-Macias Hijas led Greenville offensively with two shots each, while Paez recorded one of the Panthers' two shots on goal.
Will Malone added Greenville's fifth shot of the contest.
Despite the result, Greenville utilized 24 players during the match, gaining valuable experience as the Panthers begin the 2026 campaign.
The Panthers (0-1) will look to rebound in their next contest against Aurora on Friday at home at 6 p.m. as they continue non-conference play and build momentum early in the 2026 season.
