WINONA LAKE, Ind. - Grace College's men's soccer team came up short in a NAIA top 25 showdown at 1st Source Bank Field on Wednesday night.
Grace (8-2-2, 2-1 Crossroads League) saw their seven-game winning streak come to an end after coming out on the wrong end of a 1-0 decision against No. 10 Indiana Wesleyan.
Despite dominating time of possession and shots, the Lancers were held scoreless for the first time this season, while the Wildcats (7-2-2, 2-0-1 CL)used a goal with just six seconds left in the opening half to secure the victory.
From the opening whistle the Lancers were aggressors. Grace had an early corner kick and a shot from
Vasco Tavares.
Maxime Bregeon also had a long range chance on goal, but the Wildcats' keeper was able to make a leaping save.
The ball was controlled by Grace for nearly 60 percent of the opening half as the Lancers generated numerous scoring opportunities.
The Wildcats finally got possession in Grace's half of the field in the waning seconds their attack proved lethal as they scored on their first shot of the game with six seconds remaining in the stanza.
Grace entered the intermission trailing 1-0 despite leading in nearly every statistical category.
The second half was more of the same as the Lancers controlled possession and repeatedly created scoring chances.
In the first five minutes
Juan Garcia had a shot and
Diego Yanes tried two more including a dangerously close chance from a severe angle that careened off the side netting.
The Lancers best opportunity came when
Joao Pereira got in behind the Wildcats keepers and had just the goalie to beat. IWU's keeper made a sliding attempt at the ball which forced Pereira's shot the slice just wide of the goal as the game remained 1-0.
In the closing minutes Grace peppered the Wildcats with shots but they were unable to score the equalizer.
IWU received a yellow and red card late in the contest, but Grace was unable to take advantage of the man advantage in the final minute, falling 1-0.
Grace finished the game with a wide margin in shots (16-5). Both teams had three corner kicks and IWU was whistled for nearly double the amount of fouls (13-7).
The Lancers will be back in action on Saturday as they host No. 19 Marian. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. and will be a part of Grace's homecoming. Grace Athletics 2025 Hall of Fame class will be honored at halftime.
Â