DUBUQUE, Iowa -- The Illinois Wesleyan men's soccer team dropped its first game of the season, falling by a final score of 2-0 to the University of Dubuque at Oyen Field in Dubuque, Iowa on Saturday, Sept. 10.

With the loss IWU falls to 2-1-1 while the Spartans stay undefeated at 4-0-0.
 
In the first half, the Titans suffered a bit of bad luck, as the first goal of the contest was scored on a ball that deflected off sophomore goalkeeper Eddie Sanchez. Gonzalo Hernandez, last season's Iowa Conference "Most Valuable Player", scored goal number two for the Spartans in the 22nd minute of the first half, his third of the year.
 
Illinois Wesleyan's starters struggled to create much on offense Saturday afternoon, as all shots on goal came from players off the bench. The Titans registered four shots on goal to Dubuque's five. Leading the way for IWU was senior Sam LaLonde who registered a shot on goal in each half.
 
Freshman goalkeeper Alex Ruckstaetter continued his brilliant play between the posts by shutting out the Spartans in the second half. Ruckstaetter has yet to allow a goal in 200 minutes this season, facing 20 shots and saving 10.
 
What's Next?
The Titans play three games at home next week, but get things started at 7 p.m. on Wednesday Sept. 14 against Knox College. Knox's record is currently 2-2, having lost two straight.