McPHERSON, Kan. (macbulldogs.com) --- The McPherson College men's soccer team kicked off a tough nonconference slate Saturday afternoon with a 4-1 loss to No. 8-ranked MidAmerica Nazarene University at The Kennel.
After an even first 20 minutes, the Pioneers (1-0) broke through with a goal by Felipe Abreu.
The Bulldogs (0-1), who were receiving votes in the NAIA Men's Soccer Preseason Top 25 Poll, drew even 10 minutes later when
Jared Robbins (Cotati, Calif., Santa Rosa JC) converted a penalty kick.
MidAmerican Nazarene pulled back in front on a goal by Raimundo Cabello in the 35th minute. Cabello, who had just stepped on to the pitch, added a second goal in the 42nd minute off an assist from Javier Beltran.
Beltran also assisted on MNU's final goal - a tally by Tanner Hunjak in the 57th minute.
The Pioneers held a 13-4 advantage in overall shots, including a 6-3 edge in shots on goal. McPherson had five corner kicks to MidAmerica Nazarene's three.
Hunjak led all players with three shots, while Abreu and Cabello each had two shots on goal.
Robbins had two of the Bulldogs' four shots, while
Christopher Kelly (Glasgow, Scotland, St. Ambrose HS) and
Sadam Ali (Tucson, Ariz., Pima CC) had one apiece.
Jose Alonso (Wichita, Kan., Derby HS) made two saves in his first collegiate start.
"I was really pleased with how we played today for 70 minutes," said head coach
Doug Quint. "There were some really positive moments for us in this young season. The bottom line is we fell asleep for 20 minutes and they punished us. That is what good teams do. MNU is a top-10 side for a reason and during that time they sure did show it. It was a tough stretch for us between the 34th and 56th minutes. Outside of that stretch for us, there are some really good things to build on."
The Bulldogs are idle until Saturday, Sept. 2, when they face host Presentation College on the opening day of the Eagles' Labor Day Classic. Kickoff is slated for 3:30 p.m. Following that, McPherson will face University of Providence (Mont.) on Monday, Sept. 4, to close out the event.
