EAST CHICAGO, Ind. — Indiana University Northwest men's soccer struck first and battled evenly through much of the opening half, but Saint Ambrose University answered with three straight goals to claim a 3-1 victory Saturday afternoon at East Chicago Central High School.

The RedHawks (1-12-1, 0-5-1 CCAC) found the net in the 19th minute when Erick Lopez scored his first goal of the season off a perfect setup from Dom Bixeman to give IU Northwest an early 1-0 advantage. The play came after a sequence of offensive pressure that saw shots from Bixeman and Tristyn Kososkie saved in the opening 20 minutes.

Saint Ambrose (9-6-0, 2-5-0 CCAC) leveled the match in the 31st minute when Gus Stevens scored off a corner kick, then pulled ahead with two second-half goals from Jake Pollock in the 50th and 61st minutes.

IU Northwest continued to push for chances throughout the second half, with Bixeman, Kososkie, and Alan Nunez each testing the keeper. The RedHawks outshot the Bees 4-3 in corner kicks and showed flashes of strong possession late.

Goalkeeper Devun Collins recorded eight saves — his sixth match this season with at least seven stops — including a sequence of back-to-back saves in the first half to hold the early lead.

IU Northwest returns to action Tuesday, Oct. 22, against Calumet College of St. Joseph at East Chicago Central High School. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m.