GREEN BAY, Wis. — The Western Illinois men's soccer team battled Green Bay throughout 90 minutes Friday night, responding to a second-half deficit with a goal and a strong late push before ultimately dropping a 2-1 decision to the Phoenix.
After a scoreless opening half, Green Bay broke through in the 53rd minute when Nathan Moua found the back of the net to give the Phoenix a 1-0 advantage.
The Leathernecks responded just over 11 minutes later. Ryan Wrobleski finished a chance in the 65th minute off an assist from Ty Duax, bringing Western Illinois level at 1-1.
Green Bay answered less than a minute later, with Luke Nicholson scoring in the 66th minute to put the Phoenix back in front, 2-1.
Western Illinois continued to battle and generated several opportunities in the final 15 minutes. Xavier Gagnon put two shots on target in the 87th and 89th minutes, but both were turned away by Green Bay goalkeeper Drew Swancutt. The Leathernecks continued to press in the closing seconds, adding attempts from Jason Hufnagle and Fabrizio Kasperiski.
"Credit to Green Bay, they are a very good team and have come across some tough luck in some of their road games," head coach Kooten Johnson said. "They made it difficult for us to create good chances today and punished us on a few mistakes. We didn't have our cleanest game in regards to ball retention, so we will look to rebound Thursday on the road against another good side in UIC."
Western Illinois returns to action next week, continuing its nonconference schedule Thursday against UIC at 7 p.m.
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