Mastodons Fall Short in Upset Bid to #15 Kentucky

Tuesday, September 6

Lexington, Ky.

7:00 PM

Purdue Fort Wayne

2-3-0

#15 Kentucky

4-0-1

IPFW

Kentucky

Max Touloute tied the game at 1-1 with a goal in the 48th minute

Photo by: Lucas Carter

Mastodons Fall Short in Upset Bid to #15 Kentucky

9/6/2011 9:37:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score

Box Score

Lexington, KY – The IPFW men's soccer team gained a 2-1 lead early in the second half, but was unable to hold the advantage against one of the nation's top teams on Tuesday evening, as #15 Kentucky stormed back with three final frame goals to down the upset-minded Mastodons, 4-2 in Lexington, Kentucky.

With the close loss, IPFW falls to 2-3 on the young 2011 season. The Wildcats improve to 4-0-1 with the home win.

Falling behind 1-0 after a Kentucky goal from Matt Lodge in the 17th minute, the IPFW offense came out firing in the second half, taking the frame's first two shots. Before the Wildcats had time to adjust their defense, the 'Dons took over the game's tempo, and eventually, the lead.

In the 48th minute, Max Touloute tied the game at 1-1 after blasting a 20-yard shot off a Mike Enghofer pass into the back of the Wildcat net. Three minutes later, Colin Helmrich gave IPFW the outright lead, when he received the ball from Touloute deep in Kentucky territory and tagged low-stinger to the far post.

Ahead 2-1, IPFW remained aggressive in its attack, drawing a corner-kick at the 52nd minute mark. Despite the push, the offensive drive didn't result in a goal, and just minutes later, the lead slipped away.

Lodge and Steve Cabobs gave Kentucky a 3-2 lead after netting goals in the 54th and 63rd minutes, respectively. The Mastodons didn't fire a shot in the Wildcat run, allowing the home team to regain the match's momentum midway through the second period.

While the IPFW frontline stalled, Lodge wasn't finished finding the scoreboard, adding his third and final goal in the 76th minute, pushing the Wildcat lead to 4-2.

Kentucky would hold onto the two-score advantage as time expired.

Although the Mastodons couldn't bring home the victory over the nationally-ranked program, head coach Mike Harper was proud of his team's effort.

“Our team showed a lot of maturity after being down 1-0 on the road to the number-15 team in the nation,” Harper said following the game. “Taking the lead in the second half was big for our team. I am confident our boys will continue to battle and get results. I am proud of the kids.”

Touloute fired a team-high five shots and tallied a goal and an assist to lead the 'Dons. Helmrich attempted three shots and netted a goal. Jason Mills and Brent Helton also fired a shot for the Royal Blue and White. Between the posts, Ryan Bristol totaled seven saves, bringing his 2011 total to 29.

The 'Dons return to the Hefner Soccer Complex for their next match, where they will take on Western Michigan on Friday, Sept. 9. Match time is set for 7:00 p.m. EST.

~Dons~