'Dons Drop Home Opener 1-0

Monday, September 3

Fort Wayne, Ind.

12 p.m.

Purdue Fort Wayne

0-3-0

Marshall

2-0-1

Marshall

IPFW

Photo by: Lucas Carter

9/3/2012 2:54:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score

BOX SCORE (.pdf) | BOX SCORE | PHOTO GALLERY

FORT WAYNE, Ind. - The IPFW Mastodons battled for the full 90 minutes in a sweltering heat surrounding the Hefner Soccer Fields, but came up just short of their first win of the season, falling 1-0 to the Thundering Herd of Marshall on Monday afternoon.

IPFW put up a season-high 12 shots, two of those on goal, but came up empty in each.

The teams played an even first 30 minutes of the game, with both teams putting together strong chances, before the Thundering Herd reached the scoring column when Eddy Prugh put the ball past the diving attempt of IPFW keeper Brandon Cloutier with just under five minutes remaining before halftime.

The last five minutes were scoreless, as the Mastodons went into the break with a 7-6 advantage in shots attempted.

IPFW had a number of strong chances in the second half, including in the 77th minute when freshman Jose Rodriguez had a one-on-one shot against the goalkeeper, and his shot towards the far post was punched aside by Marshall goalkeeper Daniel Withrow, who has yet to allow a goal in the 2012 season.

Despite the five second-half shot attempts, none would find the net, as Marshall had 10 tries at a goal, coming empty in all 10. Cloutier picked up three saves for the 'Dons, who are still looking for their first goal of 2012.

Four players - Scott Williams, Jackson Tooke, Nate Shipman and Darnell Parris - had two shots each, with Williams and Rodriguez each putting a shot against goal. Marshall's Tom Jackson, who had an assist on the goal, had a game-high five shot attempts.

The Mastodons return to action on Friday, September 7, when the squad travels to Pittsburgh, Pa. to compete in the PITT / Nike Invitational, facing host Pittsburgh on Friday, and then Duquesne on Sunday.

~ Feel the Rumble ~