RIO GRANDE, Ohio - Grace's men's soccer team came up short in a Top-25 battle against Rio Grande on Saturday.
Despite a similar shot tally, the No. 22 Lancers lost 2-0 on the road at No. 24 Rio Grande.
Grace (2-2) took 10 shots in the match compared to 12 for Rio Grande. But the RedStorm converted a goal in each half to outpace Grace.
The beginning to the match was nondescript with the sides combining for zero shot attempts over the first 13 minutes.
Unfortunately for Grace, the first shot produced the game's first goal. The RedStorm netted with their first attempt in the 13th minute.
Rio Grande remained aggressive and fired off the next three shots as well.
The Lancers, who struggled to create chances in the first half, attempted their first shot in the 31st minute. A headed effort from Josh Cruz missed wide.
Four minutes later, Noah Ballard also missed the mark on his shot, proving to be Grace's final shot of the half.
Grace was outshot 8-2 in the first half and had three fewer corner kicks than Rio Grande.
But the Lancers jolted to life immediately to start the second half.
Before 10 minutes had expired in the second half, Grace had already ripped off five shots. Felix Voigt and Eric Favere had shots that were saved.
Grace also earned three corner kicks during the opening 10-minute outburst.
The Lancers' hole to climb out of grew larger, however. The RedStorm tacked on an insurance goal in the 63rd minute, putting an end to Grace's offensive barrage.
Grace only managed to shot two more times after Rio Grande's second goal, and the RedStorm held on for the win.
Cruz led Grace's offense with three shots, and Favere, Teague Misner and Voigt also had a shot on goal.
The Lancers outshot Rio Grande 8-5 in the second half and had a 3-1 corner kick advantage.
After starting the year with four consecutive games on the road, the Lancers will now return home to 1st Source Bank Field for their next match. Grace's home opener is on Saturday (Sept. 5) with a 5 p.m. battle with Midland. Saturday will be a doubleheader with Grace's women playing at 2 p.m. and the men kicking off at 5 p.m.
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