The Rockhurst men's soccer team suffered a 2-0 loss to McKendree on Saturday (Oct. 17) at Bourke Field in Great Lakes Valley Conference action. The Hawks held the Bearcats scoreless for more than 83 minutes before allowing two late goals on Senior Day.
With the loss, Rockhurst falls to 4-6-4 overall and 3-4-4 in GLVC play, while McKendree improves to 4-7-3 overall and 3-5-3 in conference action.
The Hawks came out aggressive offensively, creating several scoring opportunities throughout the opening half. Riley McGill tested McKendree goalkeeper Luka Srzic twice in the 11th minute, but both attempts were turned away. Blake Barrick added another shot on goal in the 18th minute, while McGill forced a fourth save in the 35th minute. Rockhurst held a 6-4 advantage in shots during the opening 45 minutes, including a 4-1 edge in shots on goal, but the teams entered halftime in a scoreless tie.
The Hawks continued to battle in the second half, recording eight additional shots while looking for the go-ahead goal. McKendree eventually broke through in the 84th minute when Santiago Brisco scored his first goal of the season from just outside of the box. Just over a minute later, Fredrik Thulin doubled the Bearcats' lead with his seventh goal of the season at 84:57, putting McKendree ahead 2-0 with just over five minutes remaining.
Rockhurst finished with a 14-12 advantage in total shots, while McKendree held a 7-4 edge in shots on goal. The Hawks also recorded seven corner kicks compared to nine for the Bearcats. McGill led the Rockhurst offensive attack with a match-high five shots, including three on goal. Barrick and Tommaso Silanos each added two shots.
Freshman goalkeeper Luke Strueby, coming off back-to-back GLVC Defensive Player of the Week honors, recorded five saves while playing all 90 minutes. Strueby made four of those stops in the second half to keep the Hawks within striking distance.
Rockhurst will look to bounce back on Wednesday (Oct. 21) when the Hawks have their last home game of teh season and are set to face William Jewell at 7:30 p.m.
