DUBUQUE, Iowa (Duhawks.com) - In a showdown of two top-15 programs in the country, the Loras men's soccer team hosted UW-Whitewater on Wednesday night in the Rock Bowl. Senior Mike Gordon scored his team-leading third goal of the season, but it wasn't enough as Loras fell 2-1.

UWW tallied the first shot on goal 33 seconds in on an effort from Kyle Clancy. An acrobatic save from sophomore Jacob Peterson kept the sides scoreless. Minutes later, off a throw-in, the Warhawks found themselves ahead by one after a Loras own goal in the 12th minute.

Chasing a lead, Loras pressed forward while UWW sat in and played tight defense against the Duhawk attacking corps. In the 32nd minute, the Warhawks saw an opportunity to press forward and nearly added to their lead. Peterson was called on to make back-to-back saves in a span of two minutes.

The opening 45 came to an end with UWW ahead by one but Loras knocking on the door. Unfortunately for Loras, their seven shots in the opening frame only resulted in one shot on target.

A slight change to the lineup saw junior Jonah Jacke slide into the midfield for Loras to start the second half. His play helped push the tempo and connect forward into the attacking third. The Duhawks' efforts were finally rewarded in the 68th minute thanks to a half-volley strike by Gordon.

In the 81st minute, UWW nearly broke the tie thanks to a header from Sam Novak. Peterson had initially gone for the throw-in and found himself out of position with Novak looking to direct his header into the back of the net. Senior Sam Koenig stayed true to his defensive position and blocked the shot off the end line.

With time dwindling down, the Warhawks scored the go-ahead goal in the 87th minute on a strong effort by Dylan Hottsmith. The UWW forward broke away from his double-team and eluded the tackle of the last defender, finishing off his run with a strike to the far post and into the back of the net.