DUBUQUE, Iowa (Duhawks.com) - The Loras men's soccer team suffered a 4-3 defeat on Saturday night to third-seeded in the Iowa Conference Tournament Championship. The Norse earn the IIAC's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, while the Duhawks will wait to hear their name called in Monday's selection show.
MOMENTS THAT MATTERED
First Half
- Loras earned three of its six corners in a span of two minutes, but despite chances at goal, the Duhawks were unable to convert.Â
- Luther's Benjamin Keller created a gap and raced to the end line before delivering a cross to the center of the box that Aidan O'Driscoll delivered home for the opening strike in the 17th minute.
- In the 32nd minute, Keller saved a ball from going out of play on the sent a high cross to the center for Ahmed Osmen to volley into the back of the net.
- Five minutes later, a foul by junior Jacob Peterson resulted in a penalty awarded to the Norse. Nigel Nielsen had his initial bid denied by Peterson, but the rebound popped free and Nielsen slotted home the third goal of the half for Luther.
Second Half
- In the 49th minute, Rafael Broseghini had a one-on-one on the doorstep but Peterson made a huge save to keep his team alive.Â
- Loras earned a corner a minute later and a loose ball fell to senior Kyler Olson outside the box and the Roscoe, Ill. native tucked his bid inside the far post.Â
- With the Duhawks playing without a sweeper in the back, Luther took advantage as Keller played a through ball to Rafael Broseghini who beat his mark and tucked home what would prove to be the match-winner.
- In the 67th minute, sophomore Marcus Singleton played a cross across the six to an open Alex Herrera, but the freshman's bid for goal missed wide of the post.
- On a long throw in the 83rd minute, freshman Mark Broderick got on the end and sent home his first goal of the season.
- Minutes later, while still chasing the two-goal deficit, Olson returned to the scoresheet with his second tally of this night, finishing a scoring chance that began with a header from sophomore Ryan Ross.
- The last six minutes of the match consisted of Loras throwing everything at the Norse, including the kitchen sink, in search for an equalizer. With seven shots in the last four minutes, including four blocked, the Duhawks ran out of time and suffered the 4-3 defeat.
FRIEDMAN GROUP PLAYER OF THE GAMEÂ
Kyler Olson I The midfielder ignited the Loras offense in the second half registering two goals that made it possible for the Duhawks to have a chance to bring the game level.Â
UP NEXTÂ
The Duhawks await the NCAA Committee's selection on Monday to see if they will earn an at-large bid to the 2016 NCAA Tournament.
