COLUMBUS, Ind. — A physical second half and a series of late disciplinary issues proved costly for the Midway University men's soccer team Saturday evening, as the Eagles fell 2-1 to Indiana University Columbus in River States Conference (RSC) action at NexusPark.
After a scoreless first half, the Crimson Pride scored twice in the final 45 minutes before George Spencer converted a late penalty kick to bring Midway within one goal.
The loss marked Midway's second consecutive defeat after its program-record six-game winning streak came to an end against IU East on Thursday.
Midway falls to 6-3-2 overall and 1-2-0 in RSC play, while IU Columbus improves to 5-7-0 overall and 1-2-0 in conference action.
The Eagles generated their first offensive opportunity in the 12th minute when Saleh Ekuchi sent a shot over the crossbar.
IU Columbus responded with a pair of opportunities, but Midway goalkeeper Landon Sorrell kept the Crimson Pride off the scoreboard with saves at the 14:41 and 17:25 marks.
Midway continued searching for the opening goal as Brayden Leger had an attempt blocked in the 21st minute.
The physical nature of the contest began to show midway through the opening half. Nahuel Cruz received Midway's first yellow card at the 25:34 mark, followed by David Castilleios at 32:10.
The Eagles nearly broke through late in the half when Cruz placed a shot on goal at 38:07, but IU Columbus goalkeeper Jordin Jones made the save.
Elijah Orren followed with another opportunity just over two minutes later, sending his attempt high.
Neither team could find the back of the net before halftime, sending the match into the break tied at zero.
IU Columbus came out aggressively in the second half, nearly taking the lead when Matheus Ornellas Gubert struck the crossbar at 49:53.
The Crimson Pride eventually broke the deadlock in the 54th minute.
Maruwe Exauce scored his first goal of the season at the 53:34 mark off an assist from Michael Mmadi, giving IU Columbus a 1-0 advantage.
As Midway looked to respond, the match continued to grow increasingly physical.
Sorrell received his first yellow card at 64:08, while Noah Gardner was cautioned just over five minutes later.
The Eagles struggled to generate offensive opportunities throughout much of the second half, recording just one shot through the first 35 minutes after halftime.
Martin Escobar had Midway's first second-half attempt at 76:45, but his shot sailed wide right.
IU Columbus doubled its lead in the 83rd minute when Mmadi scored his first goal of the season at the 83:00 mark. Marckenson Paul was credited with the assist, giving the Crimson Pride a 2-0 advantage.
The final minutes of the contest were marked by multiple disciplinary incidents.
Ekuchi was shown a red card at 85:58, while IU Columbus' Noah Cordero was also sent off at 86:03.
At the same 86:03 mark, Sorrell received his second yellow card of the evening, resulting in his dismissal from the match. Connor Vincent entered in goal for the Eagles.
Despite the late disciplinary setbacks, Midway continued battling to get back into the contest.
Spencer converted a penalty kick at 86:30, cutting the deficit to 2-1 with just over three minutes remaining.
The Eagles nearly found an equalizer less than a minute later when Gardner put a shot on goal at 87:23, but Jones made the save to preserve the Crimson Pride's advantage.
IU Columbus held on over the final minutes to secure the 2-1 victory.
Midway finished with seven shots, including three on goal, while IU Columbus recorded 11 shots and four on target.
The Crimson Pride also held a 6-3 advantage in corner kicks.
Sorrell recorded two saves for the Eagles before his dismissal, while Jones finished with two saves for IU Columbus.
The Eagles were issued multiple cautions throughout the contest, with the late dismissals adding to an already difficult second half.
UP NEXT
Midway will play their final non-conference game on Thursday as they travel to Cincinnati-Clermont to face the Cougars for the second time this season. The first contest was a 10-0 win for the Eagles.
About Midway University Athletics
Midway University competes in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), and its 29 athletic teams are part of the River States Conference, Mid-South Conference, Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association and USA Archery. For more information about Midway University Athletics, please visit www.gomidwayeagles.com or contact Tyler Beck at 859-846-5366.
