COLUMBUS, Ind. — The Indiana University Northwest men's soccer team battled wire-to-wire but came up just short in a 3-2 loss to IU Columbus on Saturday afternoon.
Senior forward Dom Bixeman continued his strong start to the season, burying a penalty kick in the 21st minute to tally his third goal of the year and bring the RedHawks level at 1-1.
IU Columbus struck first in the 16th minute on a finish from Anton Bezborodov and later regained control after halftime. Christian Cardoso converted from the spot in the 48th minute, and Saulo Luna added another in the 73rd to make it 3-1 in favor of the Crimson Pride.
The RedHawks (1-4-0) refused to quit, cutting the deficit in the closing minutes. Sophomore Cesar Lopez scored his first goal of the season in the 89th minute, slotting home a pass from Cesar Amaya to pull IU Northwest within one. Despite late pressure, the equalizer never came.
Goalkeeper Devun Collins kept the RedHawks within striking distance throughout the contest, recording six saves while facing 17 shots. IU Northwest finished with six shots on the afternoon, four of which were on goal.
The RedHawks return to East Chicago Central High School on Wednesday, Sept. 9, for a 7 p.m. matchup against Goshen College.
