Fort Wayne, Ind. – The Omaha men's soccer team dropped a 1-0 decision to Summit League foe Fort Wayne on Saturday evening in Fort Wayne, Ind. The loss snapped the Mavericks program high three game winning streak.
Omaha is now 7-5-2 overall and 2-2-1 in Summit League play. Fort Wayne improves to 6-8-4 overall and 3-3 in conference play. The Mavericks remain three points behind Western Illinois for first place in the conference, with one game remaining on the conference schedule.
Omaha went on the attack early, earning seven corner kicks in the opening ten minutes of the game. The Mavericks turned the seven corner kicks into four shots on goal. UNO would go on to outshoot IPFW 12-4 over the first 45 minutes of action, including a 3-2 advantage in shots on goal, but neither team was able to get on the scoreboard during the first half.
Fort Wayne broke through in the 50th minute, when a shot by Scott Williams glanced off an Omaha defender and snuck into the back of the net. The goal was the second on the season by Williams.
Omaha made a late push to tie the game, taking four shots in the final four minutes of action, but the IPFW defense held tight to secure the shutout win. The Mavericks outshot the Mastodons 27-9 in the game and held a 7-5 advantage in shots on goal.
"We dominated and controlled the game from start to finish," commented head coach Jason Mims. "We had a lot of corners, crosses, and shots, but nothing to show for it. It wasn't meant to be tonight."
Omaha defender Felipe da Silva led all players with six shots in the game, while Lalo Gamboa and Vance Rookwood each had four shots. Goalkeeper Josh Christensen made four saves.
"First, I want to congratulate Fort Wayne on their effort tonight and fight," said Coach Mims. "It was their senior night and they were in a must win situation to keep their season alive. They defended very well tonight."
Coach Mims was upbeat about his team's performance. "Our guys gave absolutely everything. I told our guys to keep their heads up and be proud of the effort. They left everything on the field."
The Mavericks return to action next Saturday, November 8, against IUPUI at 1:00 p.m. at Caniglia Field. The game will be the final home game of the season for Omaha. Following the game, Omaha will honor five senior players. These players are Jordan Gealy, Joe Marinkovich, Nick Miller, Vance Rookwood, and Felipe da Silva.
