TicketsCINCINNATI – University of Cincinnati men's soccer fell, 2-0, Monday to the visiting Eastern Illinois Panthers at Gettler Stadium.
The Bearcats (0-2) fell behind early as EIU (1-0) found the back of the net in the 23rd minute. UC was dealt another blow in the 41st minute when it was whistled for a foul in the box which the Panthers subsequently converted into a penalty-kick score. Unable to cash in on multiple chances in the second half, the Red & Black ultimately could not recover from its deficit as it dropped a 2-0 decision.
After registering just one shot in the opening half, UC was aggressive to begin the second period as it aimed for a comeback. After numerous offensive advances, the Bearcats had a chance to get on the scoreboard in the 58th minute when they drew a foul in the box setting up a PK. Redshirt junior Ryan Melink (Loveland, Ohio/Loveland) proceeded to place a good ball aimed for just inside the near post, but the EIU goalkeeper guessed right and made a diving save. Pushing for its first goal of the season late, UC made a handful of plays inside the scoring area, but were unable to convert.
The Bearcats tallied nine shots in the second half including tries on goal by redshirt juniors Mohamed Elmardi (Khartoum, Sudan/Lakota East) and Elias Helbig (Denver, Colo./East/Creighton), as well as from sophomore Darryn Commissiong (Pickering, Ontario/St. Mary Catholic) and Melink. For the night UC and EIU were even in corner kicks with five apiece.
// UP NEXT
The Bearcats will hit the road for the first time this regular season on Friday, Aug. 31, when they travel north to Cleveland State for a 7 p.m. kickoff.
The Bearcats (0-2) fell behind early as EIU (1-0) found the back of the net in the 23rd minute. UC was dealt another blow in the 41st minute when it was whistled for a foul in the box which the Panthers subsequently converted into a penalty-kick score. Unable to cash in on multiple chances in the second half, the Red & Black ultimately could not recover from its deficit as it dropped a 2-0 decision.
After registering just one shot in the opening half, UC was aggressive to begin the second period as it aimed for a comeback. After numerous offensive advances, the Bearcats had a chance to get on the scoreboard in the 58th minute when they drew a foul in the box setting up a PK. Redshirt junior Ryan Melink (Loveland, Ohio/Loveland) proceeded to place a good ball aimed for just inside the near post, but the EIU goalkeeper guessed right and made a diving save. Pushing for its first goal of the season late, UC made a handful of plays inside the scoring area, but were unable to convert.
The Bearcats tallied nine shots in the second half including tries on goal by redshirt juniors Mohamed Elmardi (Khartoum, Sudan/Lakota East) and Elias Helbig (Denver, Colo./East/Creighton), as well as from sophomore Darryn Commissiong (Pickering, Ontario/St. Mary Catholic) and Melink. For the night UC and EIU were even in corner kicks with five apiece.
// UP NEXT
The Bearcats will hit the road for the first time this regular season on Friday, Aug. 31, when they travel north to Cleveland State for a 7 p.m. kickoff.